Meredith Kellen

Meredith (Fritz) Kellen, age 92, passed away at her home in Woodstock on August 22, 2023. 

Meredith Florine Fritz was born on July 15, 1931 in Holland Minnesota to John Otto and Minnie Augusta (Meyer) Fritz. She grew up on a farm three miles northeast of Woodstock and attended country school. She was the second oldest of five children. After graduating 8th grade, she helped on the farm and then worked for other families in the Woodstock area.

On December 28th, 1953, Meredith and Albert Francis Kellen (also of Woodstock) were united in marriage at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Woodstock. For four years, they lived in Woodstock and both ran the town café and farmed in the area.  In 1957, they purchased a farm adjacent to her parents where they raised several of their children. In 1962, the family moved back into Woodstock when Albert became Postmaster. She was involved with St. Martin’s parish groups and also provided cleaning services for many years. She also provided day care for several grandchildren and other families. 

Meredith was very passionate about her gardening, growing flowers, and other plants.  She enjoyed giving away young plants, flowers and even the occasional asparagus bundle to others. She continued to work outside in her flower beds right up until the last few days of her life. She was an excellent cook and was well known for her pies. She took great pride in her cooking skills and everyone just loved her seven-minute frosting which several of her children have attempted to duplicate with little success.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert in 2006; her parents, John and Minnie; her brother, John; her sisters, Lois Ripley and Doris Klindt; grandchildren, Kelly Beech and Seth Kellen; father- and mother-in-law John and Minerva Kellen; and daughter-in-law, Diane Kellen. 

Meredith is survived by her 10 children and her grandchildren: Michael (Cheryl) Kellen (Joseph, Paul) of Parkers Prairie, MN, Diane (Charles) Ernstes (Sarah, Deb, Charles Jr.) of Fairland, IN, Steven Kellen (Matt, Tracy, Andrea) of Yuma, AZ, Duane (Alice) Kellen (Joseph, John) of Montgomery, IL, Julie Kellen (Whitney) of Pipestone, MN, Valerie (Jimmy) George (Chris, Alex) of Bloomington, MN, Nancy (Mark) Beech (Scott, Nathan) of  Slayton, MN, David Kellen (Libby, Davia, Dawson) of Woodstock, MN, Gary (Nichole) Kellen (Sam, Avery) of Cottage Grove, MN, and Laurie (Kris) Wortley (Quentin, Alison, Meredith) of Ham Lake, MN. She is also survived by her brother, Larry; 12 great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren. 

A great wife, a wonderful mother, and a loving grandma, this is the lasting legacy we have from you. May you rest in peace forever in the presence of our Savior.