Kay B. Kes

Kay B. Kes, age 86 of Faribault, MN passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surrounded by her family at Faribault Senior Living following an extended illness.

Kay Bernadine, the daughter of Bernard and Dorothy (Kiel) Kelsey was born on January 6, 1940 in Faribault, MN. Kay attended Faribault High School. She was united in marriage to Jerome “Jerry” Kes on November 23, 1957 at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Faribault. Jerry preceded her in death on January 1, 2001. Kay worked at Robinsons Greenhouse and Clarines Greenhouse when she was growing up. In 1968 she started Kay’s Floral. Kay owned and operated this business for 48 years and enjoyed the relationships that were made over the years with her loyal customers. Kay loved horses and she raised and showed Paso Fino Horses. She also enjoyed her hobby farm and working in her vegetable garden. Watching her grandchildren at their sporting activities was also a highlight. Kay enjoyed having “Happy Hour” with her friends and watching western movies and shows on TV.

She is survived by her children, Wanda (Dan) Leppert and children, Nikki (Nic) Wencl and their children, Marni, Dak, Reid and Madelyn; Kelsi (Andy) Finstuen and their children, Adi, Decker and Peyton; Gabe Leppert: Dean (Brenda) Kes and their children Tiffany (Joel) Gasper and their children, Colton, Evelyn, Carter, Beau and Brayden; Vanessa (Rob) Hann: Joe Kes and his children, Jake Kes and Jena Kes: by her daughter-in-law, Jill (Kes) Ward and her children, Jamie (Nolan) Jindra and their children, Lily and Hendrik; Jeff (Becca) Kes and their children, Emma and Gavin; Jason (Jade) Kes and their children, Juddson and Joplin; by her siblings, Bob (Lois) DeGroot, Ardis (Al) Moldenhauer, Buck (Marilee) DeGroot and JR DeGroot (Val); by her sister-in-law, Kathleen Kelsey; by her brother-in-law, Gerald Van Ryn and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard Kelsey and Dorothy DeGroot, stepfather, Arthur DeGroot, husband, Jerry Kes Sr., son, Jerry Kes Jr., grandson, Travis Pineur, sisters, Elaine Kelsey and Sharon Pirkl and brothers, Eugene Kelsey and Donald DeGroot.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home with Fr. Henry Doyle officiating. Interment will be held at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to services on Friday.

The family would like to thank Faribault Senior Living and Moments Hospice for the wonderful and loving care that was given to Kay.