Funeral Service for George Carl Kjellsen, 89, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Grace Lutheran Church. Interment will be at the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. Cahill Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the George and Joan Kjellsen Memorial Scholarship Fund, created to honor their lifelong commitment to education, coaching, and the students of the Sisseton community. Memorials can be sent to Sisseton High School 516 8th Ave. W., Sisseton, SD 57262.

George Kjellsen, 89, of Sisseton, South Dakota, passed away on June 5, 2026, at Edgewood Assisted Living, surrounded by the love of his wife and children.

George Carl Kjellsen was born on September 3, 1936, on the family farm outside of Badger, South Dakota. He was one of 13 children born to Albeck and Marie Kjellsen. George attended high school in Lake Preston, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track—more so than in his studies. He graduated in 1954 and attended Huron College, where he met the love of his life, Joan Stewart, and his lifelong best friend, Tuby Gunderson. He majored in social studies and physical education, graduating in 1958. He accepted his first teaching and coaching position in Waverly, South Dakota.

Amateur baseball was a big part of George's life. He was a pitcher for the Huron Indians, who advanced to the state amateur tournament three times, winning state championships in 1958 and 1960. In 2002, George was inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

On May 30, 1959, George and Joan were married. George loved to tell the story of how he tried to escape the bonds of marriage by having an emergency appendectomy a week before their original wedding date of May 23. Joan took on the task of writing cards to all of the guests to inform them that the wedding had been postponed to May 30.

George and Joan moved to Sisseton in 1960, where they both began their teaching careers. During George's 36 years at Sisseton High School, he taught freshman civics and senior government. He coached football, basketball, and track and served as Athletic Director for many years. Highlights of his career included leading the boys basketball team to the state tournament in 1965, receiving his 25-year coaching plaque in 1983, being selected as South Dakota's Outstanding Track Official, earning Region Athletic Director of the Year honors in 1995, and receiving the South Dakota Award of Merit from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in 1996.

Officiating was also a big part of George's life. He had many fond memories of officiating football and basketball games alongside Delno Koeppe and Gordie Groos.

George spent many summers at his second job at Valley View Country Club. Over the years, he wore many different hats there—first as a bartender, then as manager, and finally as a member of the grounds crew.

Sports were woven into nearly every part of George's life. When he wasn't teaching, coaching, officiating, or attending games, he could often be found watching sports on television. A loyal fan through good seasons and bad, he faithfully cheered for the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and New York Yankees.

George will be remembered for his quick wit, love of storytelling, dedication to his students and athletes, and unwavering devotion to his family. Above all, he cherished time spent with those he loved.

He is lovingly remembered by his bride of 67 years, Joan; his children, Greg (Terri) Kjellsen of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Kari (Jason) Landmark of Portland, Oregon, and Lori Sanders of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Jordan (Chris), Brittney, Gabe (Thea), Kalen (Justine), Eric, Megan, Jacob, and Braden; eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Ralph (Becky) Kjellsen of Puyallup, Washington, and Leon Kjellsen of Irene, South Dakota; his sisters, Doris Moe of Seattle, Washington, Ellen "Squirt" Dinger of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Rose Tolzin of Lake Preston, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albeck and Marie Kjellsen; sisters, Helen, Florence, and Judy; and brothers, Howard, Harvey, Lloyd, and Donnie.