LeRoy "Lee" Kelln

On January 4 th , 2022, Leroy (Lee) Kelln left the confines of his earthly body and joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven. He was born in Shattuck, OK on June 27 th , 1934 to Gottfred and Mary Kelln. At the age of 2, he left Oklahoma with his parents to escape the Dust Bowl and eventually settled in Ferndale, WA. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1953, joined the Army and then graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree in 1959. In 1960, he married his “Love” (Barbara Jensen) and went with her to Denver, CO where he attended floral school. When they returned, Lee and Barb purchased Jansen’s Floral in Lynden, WA and served their community for 35 years. Around the same time, they had their first baby (Brad) and soon after welcomed two more (Karla and Brent).

Lee was a fiercely independent, larger than life man who took great pride in his patriotism, work ethic, and his beloved family. He was the kind of man who would work hard 6 days a week, spend his Sunday mornings singing in the church choir and still manage to attend every ballgame his kids played.

He took pleasure from the simple things in life; sitting in a sunbeam, feeding the hummingbirds, losing himself in a book, delighting in fresh strawberry shortcake or chatting with a stranger. He dearly loved gathering with family and friends and throwing Popsicle parties on the tailgate of his truck for his grandkids.

As Lee took pleasure in this way, so will he be remembered for the simple things: the way he would “ahhh” after his first sip of morning coffee. The passionate artistry he would put into a small flower arrangement for the dinner table. The way he would perk up at the suggestion of popcorn and a movie. The fondness he had for driving along Birch Bay... and the way he would infuse every day of his life with gratitude and positivity.

Most of all, Lee will be remembered as a man who gave more than he took, listened more than he spoke, and loved more deeply than many will ever know.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents (Gottfred and Mary). He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 61 years, his 3 children and their spouses (Brad and Kristen, Karla and Jay and Brent and Shauna), his 7 grandchildren (Tore, Finn, Luke, Lauren, Talena, Connor and Landon) and his 2 great grandchildren (Hadley and Colt). He is also survived by his brothers and sisters (Melvin, Lillian, Ruthie and Bob).

He will be laid to rest at Enterprise Cemetery on Friday, January 14 th at 1:00 with a celebration of life to follow at Hope Lutheran Church in Lynden at 3:00.

Memorials can be made to Hope Lutheran Church

General participant guidelines:

In an effort to clarify expectations, the following information is being provided so that individuals can be prepared to protect themselves at the various venues while honoring LeRoy:

Graveside – Given that this will be outdoors, there will be no expectation for masks to be worn. As always, if individuals choose to wear a mask, that will be fine as well.
Church Sanctuary – Signs will be posted encouraging guests to wear masks while in the sanctuary. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available as needed.

Church Fellowship Hall – After the Celebration of Life service, there will be an opportunity for fellowship downstairs at the church. As a general rule, typical restaurant guidelines are encouraged.