Kelly Eugene Lundgrin, 55, a boat captain in Branson, passed away doing what he loved — touring visitors on his Ilunds Tiki Boat Krooz on Lake Taneycomo.

Captain Kelly enjoyed entertaining people and working with Branson business owners, dock staff and others who helped him achieve his dream. He was often seen “kroozing” along the Landing with his golden retriever Huckleberry. 

Kelly was born on March 30, 1967 in Salina, Kansas. He graduated from Salina Central High School and studied drafting at Vo-Tech. A talented carpenter and woodworker, he handcrafted the wood and thatch-roof tiki boat “Gilligan’s Revenge.” 

He lived in Walnut Shade, Missouri where he built an exquisite residential treehouse. He was a creative entrepreneur and built other treehouses through his company Bigfoot Treehouses.

Kelly leaves behind his son Tanner Lundgrin of Springfield and life partner Alanna Hovey of Walnut Shade.  He is also survived by his mother and stepfather Karleen and Wade Culwell, sisters Kim (Mark) Phillips and Karissa Holmes, stepbrothers Jeff Culwell and Jamie Lewis, stepsisters Annette Waldrop and Sheila Lewis, and stepmother Jill Lundgrin. He was preceded in death by his father Gene Lundgrin and stepbrother David Culwell. 

Honoring Kelly’s generous wish, the gift of life was shared with many people in need through organ and tissue donation.

A Bon Voyage Celebration of Life is scheduled for 6:00pm on Saturday, September 24 at Scotty’s Trout Dock, 400 Boxcar Willie  Drive in Branson. Colorful island attire is encouraged.