Thomas Allen Kelly was born June 29, 1950 in Linton, North Dakota to Edward and Hermina Kelly.  He was the third oldest of nine children.  When Tom was six the family moved to Aberdeen, and he has resided here since then.  Tom graduated from Roncalli High School and attended Northern State University before moving to Mitchell to attend Mitchell Area Vocational Technical School.  There he received his training as an electrician and graduated in 1973.  In 1974, he married Winnie Schumacher and together they have raised four sons, Ryan, Ross, Paul, and Travis (deceased).

Tom began his career as an electrician working for Mac’s Electric.  He went on to work for Schwan Electric, and in 1979 started his own business, Kelly Electric.  He had this business for over ten years.  In 1980 he started working for 3M in Aberdeen and is presently still there as a maintenance technician.  He graduated from NSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology in 1999, and since then has worked part time as an electrical inspector helping Dan Larson in District Six.

Tom is a member of St. Mary’s Church.  He has volunteered many hours for Habitat for Humanity and his church.  He has been an active member of the SD Electrical Council, Hub Area Chapter, for many years.  He is a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.