Gary M. Kelsch peacefully transitioned from this earthly experience on January 15, 2023, surrounded by family at the fulfilled age of 84 years.
Gary was born on October 5, 1938, to Louis Alma and Elsie Louisa Kelsch. He was a follower of the light of Christ and strived to walk upright before the Lord at all times. Gary was known for his charity, love and kindness toward all. His hugs were genuine and full of love and compassion, which he handed out freely. He considered everyone as family and treated them as such. Anyone that had the pleasure of
meeting Gary, left with an impression of love and gratitude.
Gary was all about life experiences. He was truly thankful for every experience he went thru in life, every tear he shed, every smile he showed and every uplifting moment he experienced, was a true gift and blessing to him. His positive outlook on life showed thru with every greeting. Even up to the very end, if you asked him how he was doing, he would say “I’m doing great!” and then give you the “thumbs up”. Gary was an endless fountain of wisdom and understanding. He would share his wisdom on spiritual, family, business or life matters, with anyone that would genuinely ask. He was a man of impeccable integrity.
Gary truly took pride in his family, “Dad’s Tribe”, and loved seeing his posterity at every gathering. He loved playing his harmonica, while watching his children and grandchildren dance around the room. At nearly every summer family gathering or camp out, he would be outside making popcorn and snow cones while the kids lined up for their treats. Gary always stayed busy; he perfected the art of puttering. You would often find him outdoors working on various projects on his property or helping family and friends with their projects. It thrilled him to see those around improving their surroundings. He always seemed to be the happiest when he was on his tractor helping others and showing the young men how it was done.
Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Renee Kelsch, 7 children, Vio, Steve, Jeremy, Natalie, Maria, Matthew, Aaron and 8 grandchildren. He is survived by his wives, Alice Faye Kelsch and Linda Beth Kelsch, 28 children, 165 grandchildren, 205 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Dad’s Tribe
Louis (Darlene & Ann)
Judd (Dezi)
Amie (Alma)
Patti (Ben)
Brooke (Bob)
Jody (Cari)
Gary (Lillian)
Vanessa (Max)
Alice (Danny)
Betsy (Alan)
Garrett (Janeth)
Alma
Renee (Edward)
Timothy (Erica)
Jessica (Gordon)
Veronica (Stan)
Carrie (Ryan)
Craig (Rashelle)
Jean (Dave)
Connie
Stacey (Joe)
Amber (Asa)
Sandra (Porter)
Spencer
Leslie (Crystal)
Noah (Holly)
Lindy (Sam)
Brent (Shaye)
Viewing: Larkins Mortuary 1950 E 10600 S Sandy, Utah, on Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm with family prayer from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.
Gary’s Celebration Luncheon: Fashion Cabinets 5440 W Axel Park Rd West Jordan, Utah from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Interment: Elysian Burial Gardens at 10:00 am on Monday morning, January 23, 2023
First of all condolences to his family I know he will be missed. Gary was a good friend to me over the years. He always love to talk the gospel with me and my brother we had lots of hopes and aspirations together, looking for the kingdom of God to be established. My prayer is for his family and Gary to be able to take part in the great work. That’s ahead of us.
One of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
Sending all our love & deepest condolences to Aunt Faye & Aunt Linda & all of the Kelsch family.
Uncle Gary is one of the most remarkable men I’ve had the pleasure to know & also call uncle. He will be so missed by all that knew him.
Wes & Laurie Galan
I began my first job at 18 out of high school in the summer of 1968 at Olympia Kitchens before starting college. I remember my first day reporting to this tall, blond, stern foreman with those penetrating blue eyes who looked right through you. Of course if was Gary. When he saw my last name was Drake, he asked if Oscar Drake was my dad and I said Yes. My dad was the plant manager at Olympia 1964-1965 when they first began manufacturing cabinets and he was very impressed with Gary and took him under his leadership, built him up as plant foreman, and there were two reserved parking spots with signs at the plant door OSCAR and GARY. Gary really respected and loved my dad - and my dad loved Gary. I grew to feel the exact same way about him. He was always fair, teaching, mentoring and supportive. That first summer his dad Lou worked next to me in the mill. Dale and Joe ran the assembly department. It was like the Kennedy brothers - John, Bobby and Ted. I worked there the next summer and when I stopped in to ask for a job, Gary had moved up to plant manager - he looked at me and said "absolutely, when can you start?" That summer of 1969 added more Kelsch sisters. I didn't see them until 1981, but had followed their success starting Fashion Cabinets in the small building beside I-15, then moving to the new plant. Everyone was always so industrious and organized. In 1981 Merle Workman, an OIympia employee and I drove to West Jordan to visit the plant - Gary and Dale gave us a grand tour - talk about impressive (but no surprise)!! That was the last time I saw them - I've thought about Gary over the years - he was a great influence on my life and an incredible example of Christ-like living on the Earth. We know there's a grand Kelsch family reunion on the other side of the veil.
September 21, 2024