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Kelly Duane Grimshaw was born in Reliance, SD on November 20, 1942, to Dorothy and Walter Grimshaw. In 1947, his family moved from Reliance to Mission, SD, where many of his lifelong memories and roots were formed.
Kelly was a spirited teenager who loved fast cars, Rod Stewart, Bob Segar along with Huey Lewis and The News.
As a young man, he worked hard at many different jobs like a ranch hand, well driller, and even on a combine crew that traveled to Texas each summer. Some of his favorite memories were the summers he spent with his cousin John McNeil.
At just 17 years old, Kelly joined the United States Army in 1960 and proudly served a three-year tour in Germany.
Thankfully, his mom, Dorothy, had a little influence of her own. She spoke with the manager at Bison State Telephone, who offered Kelly a position as a telephone repairman; a job that turned into a lifelong career. Over the years, Kelly worked for Contel Telephone, GTE, and Golden West Telephone. By the time he retired in 2007, after 42 years in the telephone industry, he had served not only Mission but several surrounding communities as a respected supervisor and friend to many.
Kelly dedicated countless hours volunteering for the Mission City Council and the Mission Volunteer Fire Department, serving his community for more than 20 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball, bowling, and golfing, and later loved watching golf, the Minnesota Twins baseball, NASCAR racing, and cheering on his beloved Indianapolis Colts.
More than anything, Kelly valued time spent with the people he loved. He and Linda were married in 1982 and shared 43 wonderful years together. In April of 1997, they moved their family to Valentine, NE, where they continued building their life together. They created countless memories through family vacations, road trips to visit Mike and Dawn, and time spent with Linda’s sisters and extended family. Whether it was traveling, laughing together, or simply being with his kids and grandkids, Kelly treasured those moments deeply and made sure his family always felt loved and cared for.
Retirement brought Kelly a new sense of purpose and joy. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren, always eager to help however he could, whether it was taking each grandchild for a lawnmower ride, rocking a baby, attending activities, or simply being present.
He also enjoyed the friendships he made over the years playing poker and looked forward to his trips to the nearby casino, where he could visit and enjoy time with friends.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Dawn, Mike (Dee), Talia (Josh), Lacey (Robert), and Ryan (Molly); grandchildren, Ashley (Aaron), Josh, McKenzie (Hayden), Rylee, Ty, Cruz, Amelia, Trey, Lennon, Walt, and Kiki; and great-grandchildren Logan, Liam, and Michael. He is also survived by his dear brother, Gregg (Jo).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Walter Grimshaw; his sister, Patricia Adrian; and his brother, Kernit Grimshaw.
Kelly will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love for his family, his sense of humor, and the steady presence he brought to the lives of those around him.
Memorial service for Kelly Grimshaw, age 83 of Valentine, will be held Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. The inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. A gathering to follow at the Draw Bar in Valentine. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice, in Kelly’s honor.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with arrangements.
