Kelsey Bast

Kelsey Marie Bast (Bartholomew)

07/07/1981 – 10/19/2025

With profound love and heavy hearts, we share the passing of Kelsey Marie Bast—a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend.

Born July 7, 1981, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, Kelsey was the second of four children to James and Julie Bartholomew. She grew up in St. Louis Park and Plymouth, surrounded by the love of her siblings—Larissa (Sipprell), John, and Mark—in a home filled with laughter, warmth, and grounded in strong Christian faith.

Kelsey graduated from Maple Grove Senior High in 1999 and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 2007. She built a successful career in the grocery industry, beginning at SuperValu and continuing for 14 years at Bimbo Bakeries USA, where she worked as a Senior Sales Analyst.

In 2003, Kelsey married her childhood sweetheart, Lee Bast. Their story began at age 16, behind the counter at Dairy Queen, where a teenage crush grew into an enduring love. Through life’s joys and challenges, they stood together side-by-side, each other’s constant source of strength and support. Together, they created a beautiful life and raised two incredible children: Alexis (Lexi) Mae, a senior at Prior Lake High School, and Andrew (Andy) Steven, an eighth grader at Hidden Oaks Middle School.

Kelsey’s greatest joy was her family. When the pandemic reshaped daily life, she embraced the chance to explore Destin, FL and Colonial Beach, VA with Lee, Lexi, and Andy—turning remote work and school into treasured adventures. From road trips across the country to outdoor adventures at the Bast family cabin in Glen, MN, and cozy moments at home snuggling with Auggie, the family dog. Kelsey savored the simple, beautiful moments of family life.

She will be remembered for her determination, unwavering devotion to family and faith in God. She loved fishing, beaches, cheering on the MN Vikings, Escape Rooms and playing games with her kids. Her affectionate nature and vibrant spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Kelsey is lovingly survived by her husband, Lee; children, Lexi and Andy; and family dog, Auggie. She also leaves behind her parents, James and Julie Bartholomew; siblings, Larissa Sipprell (Chris), John Bartholomew (Shanta), and Mark Bartholomew; grandmother, Merle Schoess; in-laws, Steven Bast and LeAnn Salo; Susan and Dale Theis; brothers-in-law, Jeffrey Bast (Michelle) and Brian Bast (Erika); grandmother-in-law, Marlene Bast; beloved nieces and nephews—Adam and Trevor Sipprell, Ayla Brown, Tayler (Jessica), Maddilyn, Eliose, and Evelyn Bast, Benjamin and Zachary Moberg —and many extended family members and dear friends who will carry her memory in their hearts. Kelsey’s spirit has been embraced by our beloved family members who preceded her.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 9, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ballard-Sundar Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372).

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 10, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (14107 Hudson Rd S, Afton, MN 55001). Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM and a luncheon immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Kelsey's honor by her family.