THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE HAS BEEN CANCELLED at this time due to a family emergency and will be scheduled at a later date.

John Leo Kelsey, 76, of Yuba City, California passed away on April 26, 2023 at Rideout Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

John was born July 31, 1946 in Waseca, Minnesota, to Leo John and Cecelia Ann Kelsey, but grew up in Quincy, California.

After graduating from Quincy High School in 1964, John attended Yuba College, followed by CSU, Sacramento where he studied law enforcement. John worked in retail security, the Marysville Post Office, Randy's Liquor Store and as a Yuba County reserve deputy while attending school. In 1974 when John graduated from Peace Officer's Standards and Training at Butte Community College, he began his lifelong career in law enforcement, first as a Deputy for Yuba County Sherriff's Department and retiring as the Chief Fraud Investigator for Yuba County Health and Human Services.

John met his wife Barbara in 1972, while they both worked for Yuba County Health and Human Services and they married in 1983.

When John retired in 2002, being the avid conversationalist he was, he spent much of his time getting to know his neighbors and visiting with friends. He also expanded his culinary skills becoming quite the chef for Barbara and anyone lucky enough to be visiting.

In 2004 when John finally convinced Barbara to retire, they embarked on a seven week trek across the United States. The trip included many interesting places but John's favorite was Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Another highlight of their journeys that John loved so much was snorkeling in Hawaii. John and Barbara traveled for many years to different areas, but quite frequently found themselves in Humboldt County visiting John's extended family who reside there. John and Barbara remained residents of the Yuba Sutter area during all their years together.

John was preceded in death by his father, Leo Kelsey and mother Cecelia Kelsey.

He is survived by his wife Barbara (Furmidge) Kelsey, sister Ann Rainey, 13 nieces and nephews, and 12 great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of John Kelsey to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Published by Appeal Democrat from May 18 to Jun. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kelsey

9 Entries

Shane Croy

April 1, 2025

I knew John as his medical equipment technician for a few years. And over those years he always made me feel more like family than just a service tech every time I came by. He was always so kind and full of great stories and funny jokes. I haven't seen John in a few years since changing occupations, but he popped in my head last night and then I found this. I'm sad to hear that he's gone and I send my condolences to Barbara. May you rest in peace John.

Diane Berry Gilbert

September 9, 2024

This is especially for Ann. I just saw John's obituary and want to tell you I am sorry that he is gone. How blessed you were to have a wonderful brother like him. To the rest of the family, my name is Diane and our Dads had a gold mine together up in Quincy in the 1950's. Such special memories of going up to that beautiful country, and of the Kelsey family. Even though we weren't close when they lived here, we saw each other occasionally and they were awesome people, and that was an awesome time. Blessings to you all.
From Diane Berry Gilbert

Lavon Lannoo

June 6, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a very kind and helpful friend. My condolences to all the family.
Lavon (Day) Lannoo

Floydene

May 25, 2023

Barbara, sorry to hear of Johns passing. I will never forget his friendship. Stay strong my friend.

Vicki W

May 25, 2023

I´m so sorry to hear of John´s passing. I have so many memories of our times working together. Condolences to the entire familyy

Antonette Hartman

May 20, 2023

Barbara,
I was so saddened to hear sbout the passing of John. I had the honor of meeting you and John years ago when we were neighbors. He was such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
May John now rest in peace he definitely will be greatly missed
Antonette Hartman and family

Glenda Hyde

May 18, 2023

My condolences to Barbara and the family. John had a big heart, and although John had moved away from the Sheriff's Department just before I started there, we became friends while he worked out at the Welfare Office. He was one of the funniest guys ever, and he knew how to brighten up the day for everyone he spoke with. He will truly be missed by many. R.I.P.

Don Thibodeau

May 18, 2023

Rest in peace my friend. I'll always remember the times we went to Candlestick to watch the Giants and down a few buckets of beer.

Kerrie

May 18, 2023

You are and forever will be my hero Uncle John. I love you more than words could ever say. Thank you for being more than an Uncle to me, thank you for being a Dad to me. For always loving me and the girls unconditionally, for protecting me my whole life, for teaching me right from wrong, for guiding me, believing in me, encouraging me, for so, so many things I have to be thankful to you for. You will aways be my hero.

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