Obituary: Kelly Ray Kost

Kelly Ray Kost

Kelly Ray Kost, 72, Bismarck, formerly of rural Bowdon, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 surrounded by his family and Little One Dakota. A celebration of his life was held Tuesday Oct. 1 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bismarck Moose Lodge in Bismarck. His funeral was held Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bowdon School Auditorium in Bowdon with burial at the Wayside Cemetery in Bowdon.

Kelly was born June 3, 1952 in Harvey, N.D. to Wayne and Phyllis (Goughnour) Kost. He graduated from Bowdon High School in 1970 and attended Respiratory Therapy School in Sioux Falls, S.D. before returning to Bowdon and purchasing his first truck at the age of 18. He was known for his black cowboy hat and his distinctive low voice which was heard whenever he walked into a room.

In 1975 he met Pat DuToit, the love of his life, who, on June 3, 1975, after six weeks of getting to know each other, he married in Fessenden. They remained happily married for 49 years and were blessed with four children and two grandsons who he absolutely adored.

Kelly continued trucking and hauled everything from cattle to heavy equipment for many companies over a span of 40 years, retiring in 2015. He then began working as a Hiker with his "boys" at Penske. Kelly had many friends and will be dearly missed by everyone including his best buddy, Little One Dakota.

A few of Pat's memories of Kelly: He was always adventurous and would often say "Let's go see what's happening in the next ranch," and off we'd go. I worked at the local hospital or nursing home in the communities we lived including Twin Valley, White Butte, Williston and Wibaux, Mont. where we met many new friends, had so much fun and loved it all. In 1998 we settled in Bismarck and began more adventures with new friends when we began trucking with J&S Trucking and later with other companies. His final job with his "Penske Boys" was one he loved like it was his own business. He had a nickname for everyone. I hope you cherish them. A few of Kelly's favorite sayings were, "You got to persevere"; "Keep pounding on that rock! Tomorrow will be kinder!"; "Judas Priest, don't be such a Bonehead. Love you like a Brother!"

Kelly is survived by his wife, Pat of Bismarck; daughter, Shaila "Witchy" of Bismarck; sons, Koye "Butcher" of Kingman, Ariz. and Korby "Fat" of Carrington; grandson, Tristan "TC" (Kylie) of Bismarck and Kytell "Peka" of Maple Grove, Minn.; sisters, LaVonne (Curtis) Beckler of Fergus Falls, Minn. and Lucinda (Steve) Wallner of Wapheton; and many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his son Kristopher; his parents, Wayne and Phyllis; and his brother Lee.

We will love you forever Kelly Ray Kost.

In lieu of flowers, the Kost family requests memorials be given to the Wayside Cemetery in Bowdon.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden, N.D.