Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

John Kellner Obituary

Kellner John Thomas Kellner left this world February 5, 2013. A swashbuckling man's man, he was both loved and reviled. Loved by those who knew him, and reviled by those intimidated by his souped-up hot rods, cool-guy swagger, and love of Viking war implements (in addition to Studebakers, tractor pulls, and car shows). He ultimately passed as a result of his innate stubbornness, refusing to follow doctor's orders (or anyone else's for that matter). He was a beautiful, unique, kind-hearted, and loving man even if you drove a sissy car. John was born on May 13, 1952 to the late Thomas and Norma Jean Kellner with a wrench in his hand, a love of fast things, and a hankering for Busch Lite. He went on to own his own repair shop, and as the proprietor of John's Auto Service his future was cemented as a mechanic of legendary stature, and an all around awesome guy. It is widely believed that his early years served as the inspiration for many of Clint Eastwood's hit movies. He is survived by a family that loved him dearly including his wife, Cathy; children, Gordon and Tony Mott, J.P. and Jill Kellner; sisters, Nancy Brenniser and Gerry Blakey; two half-horse dogs, and enough friends to put on one hell of a car show. Friends are asked to simply come as they are, and share the many wonderful stories about John and his life that he can no longer share himself. Visitation will be held from 12Noon till the time of service at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2013 at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME SW CHAPEL, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123. To leave the family a message of condolence please visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kellner

Not sure what to say?





Dana and Joe Nicolini

March 14, 2013

We just heard the sad news of John's passing. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. Prayers for the family.

Andrea Van Heyde

February 22, 2013

I am heartborken at finding out about John. He was the most honest man and best care repairman I have ever known. I will be forever grateful for knowing such a great man. He will be greatly missed

Jane Pease

February 22, 2013

I knew John through the England family. This man totally impressed me with his work and his manner...he absolutely knew what he was doing and I would trust him to work on any car I owned. We moved out of Grove City in October of last year, but I wouldn't let anyone else work on my car, and happily made arrangements to get it there from Reynoldsburg. I saw John on January 31st and he was, as always, pleasant and easy to talk to.He will be missed by our whole family. God bless you, Cathy, you've lost a wonderful man.

Ken and Colleen Hyme

February 10, 2013

Nancy Breniser Family,
Words cannot express how very sorry we are to learn of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

simon Lemaster

February 9, 2013

My Grandfather and John Kellner were the reason I got into classic cars. The world is definitely a lesser place. John forgot more about cars in a year than I would know in a lifetime, but talking cars Isn't what I'll miss. I'll miss him. His personality. His friendship. Never had a wrong word to say. I can't thank him or his family enough for every thing they not only have done but are continuously doing for me.

February 9, 2013

We will miss John, his cars (especially the beautiful sound of his suped up Studebaker truck zooming by our house), and his conversations about cars at the shop. He was willing to help even total strangers. Wonderful man to know. He will be sorely missed by all. God Bless and guide your family during this sad time in your lives. Bo & Steve Swiger

Ray Radel

February 8, 2013

John will always be remembered as a Hero and a true friend to my family.

Pamala Darsow

February 7, 2013

I did not know John Thomas ,but wish to send my condolences to the entire family .May God confort you in this hour of need.

Edie Canterbury

February 7, 2013

Shocked by the news & So sorry to hear of John's passing. Our deepest sympathy & prayers to everyone. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. R.I.P John. Joe, Edie & Allen (John's Dad & Mom's old neighbors Casa Blvd.)

scott randall

February 7, 2013

We lost a super guy who always had time for everyone.He will be missed..But, we will never lose our memories of John.I'm sure right now he is driving a pristine hot rod, that never overheats,doesn't leak oil,and starts on the first try..

John Scheid

February 7, 2013

cathy&family... sorry to hear of your loss.john&i went to school together and stayed in touch ever since he will be missed Godspeed John Kellner

Claudia Brickles

February 7, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Merry Mahaney

February 7, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Rusty Moore

February 7, 2013

God speed john

steve and bonnie fox

February 7, 2013

we will miss you

Mike Breckur

February 6, 2013

Cathy and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. I will surely miss seeing him at the car shows and stopping by the shop and swapping ideas for our "Project Cars". John was one of the "Good Guys". This you could tell by the way people gathered around him.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in John Kellner's name

Memorial Events
for John Kellner

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Newcomer Funeral Home - Southwest Chapel - Grove City

3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Kellner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more