Kelly "Tater" Dean Etzler

Kelly Dean Etzler "Tater", 58, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Kelly was born at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, Minnesota, to Adolph “Bud” and June (Stroman) Etzler. He grew up on the family farm in Lincoln, Minnesota. Alongside his dad and eleven siblings, Kelly helped run the family sawmill and planer. He developed skills in welding, mechanic work, and excavating. Kelly’s spare time was spent building and racing demolition derby cars.

On September 20th, 2003, Kelly married Jamie Delores Haataja Juntti. Together, they made their home in Menahga, where they were blessed with six children and started their own family farm.

Kelly enjoyed spending time hunting and teaching his children the skill and traditions. He was a talented craftsman who enjoyed blacksmithing, crafting knives, woodworking, and tending bees. Kelly cherished being surrounded by those he loved.

He worked for several years at Renneberg Hardwoods and later at Arvig. He was on the Runeberg Township and Park Rapids Fair Boards. He also served on Relayt Church’s board. Recently, Kelly began his own excavating business, Northland Clearing.

Kelly is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jamie; and their six children: Ava, Malina, William, Ana, Charlie, and Alise. He is also survived by his siblings: Donald Etzler; Roger (Teresa) Etzler; Mike Etzler; Phyllis Plattner; Lois (Dwayne) Walters; Mark (Sheila) Etzler; Tom (Jeannie Johnson) Etzler; Randy Etzler; Nancy (Scott) Purington; and Tony Etzler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and June Etzler; his brother Paul Etzler; his brother-in-law Mark Plattner; his nephew Lance Plattner; his mother-in-law Deborah Carlson; his brother-in-law Thomas Carlson; his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

A service and celebration of life to take place at a later date.

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