Kelly Whitcomb

Kelly J. Whitcomb, age 65, of Williams, MN, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Atwater, MN. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor his life.

Born on December 7, 1960, in Huron, South Dakota, Kelly was the son of Dale and Mary (Delvaux) Whitcomb. He grew up in a close-knit family, graduating from Atwater-Grove City High School in 1979.

On July 2, 1983, Kelly married Mary Sue Pautzke at Arndahl Lutheran Church in Grove City, MN. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared experiences. Kelly dedicated many years to his profession as a heavy equipment operator, initially working alongside his father, Dale. The family’s legacy continued when he partnered with his brother Gerald to establish Kelly and Gerald Excavating, marking a significant chapter in his professional journey. In 2016, Kelly and Mary moved to Williams, MN, where he continued his work for the state of Minnesota, focusing on grading the forest roads in the northern areas of the state.

Beyond his career, Kelly was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the opportunities to fish and hunt. He cherished spending quality time with his family, whether he was taking scenic drives through the forest with Mary, traveling with his family or teaching his daughters and grandchildren new skills.

Kelly is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, of Williams, MN; his children, Lacy Nelson (Whitcomb) of Atwater, MN, Kasey Whitcomb of Litchfield, MN, and Kelsey and Dustin Meyer (Whitcomb) of Atwater, MN; and his eight cherished grandchildren, Levi Nelson, Rylie Nelson, Dixie Meyer, Bou Meyer, Blake Hoecke, Jayden Hoecke, Jase Hoecke, and William Whitcomb. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Dennis and Deanna Whitcomb of Litchfield, MN, Scott and Donna Whitcomb of Grove City, MN, Margaret and Craig Flemming of Bird Island, MN, Gerald and Cindy Whitcomb of Litchfield, MN, Stephanie and Dale Pautzke of Grove City, MN, and Jimmy Whitcomb of Belgrade, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Mary Whitcomb, as well as many aunts and uncles, whose memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.