Kelly L. McCluskey-Tapp, 53

Kelly Lynn McCluskey-Tapp, age 53, of Dexter, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024, at her home in Dexter. Kelly was born on May 29, 1971, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to James and Vickie (Strasburg) McCluskey. She graduated from Memorial High School, Eau Claire, in 1989. Following graduation, she attended St. Cloud State University and earned her B.A. in Elementary Education in 1994 and her Master of Science in Education in 2001. While in college, Kelly’s love of adventure led her to study in England, living in the historic Alnwick Castle. This allowed her the opportunity to travel all across Europe and make lifelong friends along the way. Kelly began her teaching career in Blooming Prairie and went on to teach in the communities of Pine River and Albert Lea before settling in Austin. While in Pine River, Kelly earned the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award in 2003. Kelly had a passion for education; her commitment to her students was steadfast. Her kindness extended beyond the classroom, as she had a deep love and appreciation for her family, community, and giving back to those around her. On July 15, 2006, Kelly was united in marriage to Norman Dean Tapp at Grand View Lodge Resort in Nisswa, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with two sons, Lukas and Liam. Kelly took great pride in her children and their accomplishments; they were more important to her than anything and she loved watching them grow. She enjoyed being outdoors, camping, swimming, and skiing. She also loved animals, especially dogs, reading, and being the “activities director” for her friend groups. Kelly will be dearly missed but never forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, compassion, and generosity.

Kelly is survived by her husband, Norman; sons, Lukas and Liam; mother, Vickie (Larry Fagerland) McCluskey; dog, Lily; father-in-law, Delmer Tapp; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, James McCluskey; maternal grandparents, Jim and Beata Strasburg; paternal grandparents, Arthur and Lillian McCluskey; uncles, Jerry and Mike Strasburg; and mother-in-law, Ardythe Tapp.

Rest in peace our brown eyed girl.

A private family service will be held. A celebration of Kelly’s life will be held at a later date. Please check back to the Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home website for details and updates. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Austin Public Education Foundation or Austin Aspires. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.