UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

“When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.” – Harley Davidson

Kelly Michael Derr (64 years) passed away in the comfort of his home on January 23. Kelly lived his life full of heart and deep love for his family and friends and the peace of the open road.

Kelly had a cantankerous outer crust but balanced it with his heart of gold. His loyalty shined through to those who had the joy of being part of his circle of family and friends. Even perfect strangers could appreciate his approachable style and kind soul.

Born and raised in Hudson, Wisconsin, Kelly found a great deal of satisfaction in staying true to his roots and owning the family home he grew up in. Upon graduating from Hudson High School in 1975 Kelly immediately embarked on a career at Andersen Windows. That professional journey provided for his family and offered up the option to own a motorcycle, a lifestyle that he proudly and profoundly embodied throughout his life. Kelly rarely missed out on attending the annual rally in Sturgis and enjoyed camping “out west” every year, he also enjoyed the exploration of new countryside and towns.

There is one passion that was held dearer to Kelly than motorcycle life – his love and pride for his family. Kelly was blessed with two children, Mandi and Michael. His biggest hobby after retiring in 2013 was spending quality time with his grandchildren. Kelly’s legacy lives on through his children, Amanda (Derr) Kraus (Steve) of River Falls WI, Michael Derr (Paige Adkins) of Aurora CO; grandchildren Talbot, Ayla, McKenna and Lincoln; sisters Susan Barnum of Norfolk VA, and Amy Derr (John Rodeffer) of Louisville, KY and a countless number of dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Elinor (McNett) Derr.

A visitation for Kelly will be held on Sunday January 31, 2021 at O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson from 3-6 P.M.

*Update*

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday June 5th from 11-2pm at Lakeside Park 95 Central Ave in Bayport, MN

Please stop in and say hi, grab a bite to eat and share some fun memories with us. There will be a bike run starting at 2pm that will head down towards Lake Pepin stopping at a couple of Kelly’s favorite spots. We plan on ending at the Willow River Saloon. 

 Private interment ceremony will take place at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for grandchildren’s college fund.

When you see a Harley Davidson gliding down the road, think of Kelly and smile.