George "Larry" L. Kelsh Jr.'s Obituary
Chippewa Lake - George "Larry" L. Kelsh, Jr., 70, of Chippewa Lake passed away Friday November 5, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren.
Larry was born on August 2, 1951, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the son of George Sr. and Natalie (Nicholaisen) Kelsh. Larry attended Big Rapids Schools and graduated in 1969. He then attended Ferris State College, setting track & field records that remained unbeaten for years.
Larry married Teri Conard in June of 1973 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Larry co-owned an oil and gas leasing business with his partner and best friend Charlie Irons up until its closing and continued working until his retirement in 2019. Larry was active member in his community, volunteering his time with the Lion's club, Knights of Columbus, and the Mecosta County Rod and Gun Club where he acted as president for eight years. Larry's passions included family gatherings, grilling, and spending time with his grandchildren, often referring to them as "grandpa's little pumpkins".
In his passing, Larry is reunited with his wife of 48 years, Teri, and will be dearly missed by his children Amy Case, Tony Case, Holly Haney, Josh Haney, Kevin Kelsh, Tim (Aimee) Kelsh and Jared (Shelby) Kelsh; twelve grandchildren Joshua, Mykenzi, Gavin, and Addyson Haney, Riley, Ava, and Brogan Case, Aleigha, Hadley, Carson, and Brynlee Kelsh, and Jameson Kelsh; one great grandson Weston Haney; his siblings Kit (Mark) Brenner, Ginny Kelsh, Maura (Mike) Baldwin, Patty Parcheta, David Parcheta, Danny (Mercy) Kelsh; his beloved mother Natalie Kelsh; siblings-in-law Tom Everin, Jeff (Julie) Conard, Joe Conard, Tony Conard; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Teri, father George L. Kelsh, Sr., brother Kevin Patrick Kelsh, mother- and father-in-law Katherine "Tillie" and Alex "Pud" Conard, and sisters-in-law Deb Conard and Tami Everin.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Dan Depew officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Caramel cemetery. Larry's family will greet friends from 4-7 pm, Tuesday November 9, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center with envelopes available at the funeral home as well as at the church. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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