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John Kellen Obituary
Born: May 26, 1933 in Welcome, MN
Died: April 7, 2023 in Sterling, IL
John L. Kellen, 89 of Sterling, died Friday, April 7, 2023 at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling.
John was born on May 26, 1933 in Welcome, MN, the son of Herbert and Elsie (Bruhn) Kellen. He was a United States Army Veteran, serving from 1953-1955. He married Sally Odean on January 17, 1959 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, IA. John was a tool and die maker for General Electric, retiring in 1991 after 35 years. He was deeply rooted in his faith and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling where he served as a parish Deacon for 24 years. John was ordained on May 14, 1994 and retired in 2018. He was a past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, a part of the Curcillo Movement, was very involved in the CRHP retreat ministry, and visited local nursing homes and hospitals during his time as a Deacon. John enjoyed fishing, going to grandson's sporting events, and following Newman Football. He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan and Chicago Bears fan.
Survivors include his wife, Sally of 64 years; his daughter, Therese (Jeff) Gee of Sterling; his son, David Kellen of Chicago; three sisters, Joyce Dohlger of AZ, Margaret Brechon of Dixon, and Kathleen Lemke of Des Moines; four grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah) Gee, Adam (Taylor) Gee, Matt Kellen, and Ethan Kellen; and four great grandchildren, Hannah, Payton, Kendall, and Emma.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons, Joseph and Jacob Kellen.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling, 505 1st Avenue, with the Rosary recited at 3:30 P.M. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling with the Reverend James R. Keenan Celebrant officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling or to Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling. For online condolences, please visit: www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kellen
Sponsored by McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Sterling.
4 Entries
Gerry Odean
April 12, 2023
John would come to our home on Friday nights after work to see Sally, he would come upstairs to my room to tutor me in Algebra. I was a freshmen at St. Ambrose Academy at the time and I will never forget his help at that time in my life. God Bless, Gerry Odean
Matt & Teresa Gingrich
April 11, 2023
We are saddened to hear of Deacon Kellen's passing. Our sincere condolences to your family. John was a great man and we will miss seeing him at Mass.
Ron & Laura Kivisto
April 10, 2023
Who knew the last time I would see you would be the last time for now. Farewell dear friend and know you fought the good fight and completed the journey he set forth for you. Ron and I enjoyed the times we worked with you at Pads. Your life examples shared showed the way for others. Prayers for your family for you will be greatly missed but carried in their hearts and memories. Ron & Laura Kivisto
Ron & Laura Kivisto
April 10, 2023
Who knew the last time I would see you would be the last time for now. Farwell dear friend and know you fought the good fight and completed the journey he set forth for you. Ron and I enjoyed the times we worked with you at Pads. Your life examples shared showed the way for others. Prayers for your family for you will be greatly missed but carried in the hearts and memories. Ron & Laura Kivisto
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McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Sterling505 1st Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081
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