John J. Kelsch Died June 29, 2016

John J. Kelsch

Died June 29, 2016

LAKE LEELANAU – John Joseph Kelsch, 78, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016 in Grand Rapids after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

John was born on Nov. 6, 1937 in Traverse City, the son of Albert and Lucille (Kolarik) Kelsch.  On June 20, 1964 at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay, he married Rosemary Ann Beuerle who preceded him in death on Oct. 7, 2012.

John was raised in Lake Leelanau and attended school at St. Mary’s where he graduated from high school in 1955.  He went to college at the University of Detroit where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1960.  While in college he started work with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) on a co-op assignment. Upon graduation, John continued working for MDOT as a civil engineer and became District Engineer for an 11 county area of Michigan responsible for construction and maintenance of all roads and bridges throughout the area.

John and his family lived in Flushing, MI from 1966 through his retirement from MDOT in 1996.  John was a devoted father who spent much time with his children playing golf with them, teaching them how to fish and attending their many games and other activities.  John and Rosemary developed a strong core of friends in the community of Flushing and kept in touch with many of them after they retired full time to Lake Leelanau around the year 2000.

John spent his retirement years living in Lake Leelanau, continuing to play golf and bridge and bowl as long as his health allowed him. In retirement, he and Rosemary were active members of the Lake Leelanau St. Mary Catholic Church community.  John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who visited him often.  He was also a lifelong Detroit sports fan and always enjoyed watching the Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions.

John is survived by his four sons and their families, Geoff (wife Jennifer and daughters Jessica and Kayla), Kevin (wife Dawn and daughters Felicity and Kelly), Tom (wife Lynette and sons Troy and Brady), and Sean (wife Jenelle and daughters Maddie and Anna); siblings, Tom (Mary) Kelsch, Albert (Judy) Kelsch, Anne Breznau; and sister-in-law, Sarah Kelsch.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years and his brother Greg.

The family would like to thank Rick Wilson from Visiting Angels in Grand Rapids for the care and friendship he provided John during the last years of his life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 8 from 5 p.m. to the start of the Rosary at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church, Lake Leelanau with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Suttons Bay.  Rev. Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary School or Church, P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Please share memories and condolences with the Kelsch family online at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau.