Kevin Chisholm

Kevin James Chisholm, age 69, of Ottertail, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, after a short and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 19, 1956, in Crookston, Minnesota, Kevin was one of seven children born to James and Loretta Chisholm. He grew up on the family farm in rural Gary, and graduated from Gary High School in 1974, where he was a talented athlete and proudly held the school's pole-vaulting record for many years. He went on to attend and graduate from the University of Minnesota-Crookston, where he played football for the U of M Crookston Eagles.

On June 17, 1977, Kevin married the love of his life, Jean Amundson, and together they raised five children on their family farm near Gary. Rooted in hard work, Kevin and Jean built a life grounded in family, faith, and the satisfaction of an honest day's work-values that remain a lasting testament to the life they shared.

Farming was Kevin's lifelong passion, and he was blessed to share that work alongside his two sons in later years. He earned his pilot's license and loved taking to the skies, and his adventurous spirit shone through in everything he did. He was an avid water skier, downhill skier, and loved riding dirt bikes in the Gary Pines with his brothers and cousins. He also enjoyed playing softball, coaching basketball, and had a lifelong love of sports-as a player, a coach, and an enthusiastic fan.

In his later years, Kevin spent much of his time at the family lake home in Ottertail, Minnesota, where he worked for Carr's Tree Service when he wasn't farming. During his time at Carr's and in the Ottertail community, Kevin formed many close friendships and became deeply connected to the people and places he loved so much.

Kevin was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, finding great joy in fellowship and community. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing trips to Canada, Sunday card games of "Hand and Foot," and motorcycle rides through the countryside. But above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his beloved grandchildren-the pride and joy of his life.

Kevin is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Jean; their children Erica Chisholm, Jason Chisholm (Hannah), Kristen Beyer (Brad), Melissa Hoffman (Luke), and Andrew Chisholm; and thirteen cherished grandchildren: Remington Strege, Lennon Strege, Russell Chisholm, Ryder Chisholm, Eden Chisholm, Indie Beyer, Olivia Beyer, Isla Hoffman, Mila Hoffman, Eva Hoffman, Hudson Chisholm, Ella Chisholm, and Everett Chisholm.

He is also survived by his extended family and countless friends who were touched by his generous spirit. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, James and Loretta Chisholm.

Kevin will be remembered for his kind smile, selfless heart, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community. He was truly an exceptional man whose quiet strength, compassion, and genuine care for others enriched the lives of everyone he met. Whether tending to his garden, giving pontoon rides to his grandchildren, or tinkering in his shop, Kevin approached every day as a blessing. His legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will live on in all those who were privileged to know him.

Visitations will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM. As well as Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM.