Kelly Dean Hatanpa

Kelly Dean Hatanpa passed away on June 2, 2026 at his home in Dayton, MN. He was born to Kenneth and Beverly (Bergsven) Hatanpa on December 7, 1962 in Redwood Falls, MN. He was their third son, following older brothers Tim and Randy. After fourth son Kent arrived, the family moved from Belview first to Sauk Centre, then Park Rapids and Bemidji, before finally settling in Dayton. There Ken built a forever home for his family, which now included Karen and Jon. Although Kelly started school in Bemidji, most of his education took place in Dayton, where he loved playing football, biking and weightlifting. In 1981 he graduated from Anoka Senior High School.

Kelly really enjoyed children, and his little nieces and nephews were always drawn to his kindness and gentleness. He loved music (especially Natalie Merchant), cars, and cats! His health challenges prevented him from being able to do many things the rest of us take for granted, and yet he was always a warm, caring and generous person. When family gathered at the holidays, he delighted in handing out little gifts to everyone. His greatest pleasure however, was making sure his mother was cared for and comfortable. They shared a home and provided each other with companionship and love. In addition to thoughtful gestures like bringing Bev her morning coffee, opening and closing her curtains as needed, and tucking a blanket around her as she napped on the couch, Kelly was also her go-to electronics expert. There was no set-up too complicated for him to conquer! He was Beverly’s personal sentinel – faithfully stationed at her side to watch over and protect her. In the last months of his life, Kelly’s family could see his health declining even further, especially during Bev’s last days. Losing them both just one week apart is both devastating and comforting. We are grateful they are now together again – living free of pain with their Heavenly Father.

Kelly was preceded in death by his grandparents Arvo and Ellen (Maki) Hatanpa and Clarence and Phyllis (Curtis) Bergsven; parents Kenneth Hatanpa and Beverly Berggren; uncles Bob Hatanpa, Peter Hatanpa and David Bergsven; and aunt Norma Cameron. He is survived by aunts and uncles Linda (Torch Dorn) Maki, Mike (Joyce) Hatanpa, Connie Bergsven, Linda (Ron) Bouchie, Julie (Lee) Patten, and Dan (Kari) Bergsven; siblings Tim Hatanpa, Randy (Deb) Hatanpa, Kent Hatanpa, Karen (Charlie) Myers, and Jon (Debbie) Hatanpa; nephews and nieces Matthew (Amy Evans) Hatanpa, Tomicka (AJ) Sieve, Corey (Katie) Hatanpa, Chad Hatanpa, Jeremy (Elizabeth) Myers, Krista (Steve) Nelson, Amy (Caleb) Gregg, Anna (Sean) Hannigan, Reyna Myers, Cassie Myers, Jason Myers, Noah Hatanpa, Jonah Hatanpa, and Emma Hatanpa; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Kelly Hatanpa and his mother Beverly Berggren (Sept 24, 1934 - May 24, 2026) will be held on Saturday, June 13th at Andover Christian Church, 16045 Nightingale Street NW in Andover, MN. Visitation begins at 1pm, with the service following at 2pm.

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