It is my sad duty to report that my wife Kelly passed away on 24 July after a 15 month battle with cancerous brain tumors. She died at our home in rural Gates County, NC with her family. We aren't planning any local services and instead will be taking her to Minnesota, where her heart has always been, for memorial services with her family in the community where she was born and raised. She was the reason I joined the Navy, the reason I was an OTA, and the reason I amounted to more in life than a being a poor farmer with a favorite bar stool. She will be missed beyond what words can express. She was a private person and wouldn't want her business blasted all over facebook, but I think she'd be o.k. with me posting on a community-specific message board.
Pat and I send our most sincere condolences for your loss. It sounds as if she was a great person and life partner so hopefully remembering the good time will ease some of the pain.
We will all pray for that.
I have no doubt Kelly smiled at such a loving and devoted message you posted here, Danny. May she rest in peace and you are given the strength to endure, as well as the faith to make sense of what life can bring upon us.
Danny,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories of Kelly and your life together help ease your pain. You are not alone, your many "System" friends are with you during this very difficult time. Ed
You have lost a wonderful wife and mother to your children, and we have lost a dear and good friend.
Whenever I think of Kelly, I'll remember that when all else failed and we had tried 2 Welsh babysitters at NAVFAC Brawdy, Wales in 1989-90 it was Kelly Kylander who came to our rescue and became a real Nanny to our infants, Kelly and Patrick. We could not have asked for a more caring, nurturing and careful guardian while we were both in critical billets at the NAVFAC. What a great sense of humor Kelly had and she always, always had that wee smile on her face and a twinkle in those pretty eyes.
Please know that Kathy and I consider ourselves blessed to have had both you and Kelly in our close circle of friends over the years.
You should surely know you have our deepest sympathy and our love as well. Please be in touch when things settle down and don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance during this time.
Danny,
Words can’t even begin to express how sad I feel about the loss of Kelly. She was beautiful in EVERY way! Dave and I were so blessed to have shared such a special friendship with both of you. You were both such an integral part of our Navy family. We were all stationed in beautiful places and shared in a close knit community.
Kelly was a kindred spirit to me. We loved so many of the same things .. family, local culture , antiques, travel and just spending time together as Navy spouses and close friends. We always laughed and shared fun and interesting experiences. A bright light went out with her passing, but she will never be forgotten in my heart. Loosing Dave 3 years ago was so difficult,yet I still celebrate his love, spirit ,and his tremendous sense of humor with our kids and others on a daily basis. That is how I have coped. I know Kelly will live forever in your heart too. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Skadi ,Axel and the extended family. Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do. I am just a text, email or phone call away.
With love and prayers,
Mary Berglund
Although I never met you or Kelly, I've heard much about you from friends we've had in common while our Navy careers were on a similar trajectory. My heart goes out to you for your loss. You and your entire family will be in my prayers, to heal the numbing pain of losing someone you held so dearly. May she rest peacefully.