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Bob Kelsch Obituary
Bob (Robert John) Kelsch passed away on Sep 23, 2016 at the age of 78. Known as "Jopapa," "Uncle Bob" & "Swell Dude," Bob grew up in Salt Lake City where he married his late wife Joye (Newbold) in the Salt Lake LDS temple, Aug 16, 1956. Bob studied art in LA & raised a family of 8 children in the San Diego area: Cindy Pierson, Gordon Kelsch, Karen (Guy) Mildenhall, Dennis Kelsch, Richard Kelsch, Jerry (Miranda) Kelsch, Wayne Kelsch, Bridget (Josh) Reeder. Bob is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, & his siblings David and Carol. Family and friends remember him for his quirky sense of humor, his friendliness, acceptance of others and his desire to see each member of his family happy. Bob's talent and passion for art remained a presence in his life both at home where he painted portraits & landscapes and at work where he owned Sign Crafters in El Cajon, CA for nearly 40 years. A nifty celebration of life art show will be held on Nov 13 between 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at 5045 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA with a memory sharing at 12:00 noon.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bob Kelsch
Janita Wheeler
November 13, 2016
Since we have not been in contact for some time, it was surprising to see of Robert's passing. I am a daughter of Clarence V. Searle, Dorothy Searle Kelsch's brother. Therefore, Robert and his family are my first and second cousins. My thoughts have been with you and it would be my greatest hope to get in contact with you/his family to reacquaint our relationship.
To me, it was amazing to see how much he resembled our grandfather, Vernon Searle. The pictures are so interesting. I very much enjoyed seeing them.
Using the information provided on Robert's obituary, I will try to contact someone of the family to see if we can communicate with one another.
Again, my condolences in the loss of your father, brother, grandfather.
Janita Searle-Wheeler
Carol Kubie
November 13, 2016
Thank you to Bob's wonderful family for the gathering held today in La Mesa. For several years I attended a figure drawing group with Bob in the Foothills Art Association gallery. It always pleased me to see Bob's big red van parked outside. Of course it had a lady with flowing red hair painted on the side, and it meant Bob would be there and we would all have a good time and see some wonderful drawings. Thanks, Bob!
Dennis Kelsch
October 19, 2016
Dennis Kelsch
October 19, 2016
Dennis Kelsch
October 19, 2016
Dennis Kelsch
October 19, 2016
Dennis Kelsch
October 19, 2016
Karen (Colbert) March
October 9, 2016
I remember Robert very well as our paths crossed often at Granite High School art events and classes. He was a very good artist, and I am happy to see that he continued his talent on into his life (as did I). I wish I had known he was in California when I was there. We could have had some good memories to share - and I would have LOVED to see his work.
My sincere condolences to his family.
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