Jeffrey Kellar

1968 - 2021

Jeffrey Robert Kellar went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, September 26, 2021 after a short illness.
Jeff was born on January 17, 1968 in Sonora, California to Maryann Cox-Martin and Robert Charles Kellar. They lived in Sonora until 1973, when they moved to Lodi and began to build their house near Lakewood School where Jeff attended. Jeff always shared such wonderful memories of all the kids that lived on his street and the neighboring ones as well. He kept himself busy with being in Boys Scouts and on the Lodi Swim Team for many years, riding his bike, playing sports and being an active part of the Temple Baptist (now GracePoint) children's group. His parents were both educators, so they traveled during the summer and Jeff often shared the many adventures the three of them had.
Jeff attended Woodbridge Middle School (now Millswood) and then Lodi High. During his years at Lodi High, Jeff was active on the soccer team and also participated in VICA, under the leadership of Ted Heinrich and John Larson. He traveled to England for the international competition and maintained friendships with his drafting leaders and mentors to this day. During his junior high and high school years he was very involved in the youth groups at Temple Baptist. It was here where he met his future wife, Karol. After graduating from Lodi High in 1986, Jeff joined the army. He was active in Bravo Company, 820th Engineer Battalion from 1986-1994. He always looked fondly upon his time in the army and his brothers feel his loss.
Jeff married Karol Springer Kellar on November 7, 1992 and have spent 29 wonderful years together. Although they dated in high school for a short time, they did not become serious until 1991. All that know them, knows that their love was one of kind and that they enjoyed spending time together. They welcomed their first son, Jonah on October 18, 1998 followed by the adoption of their second son on July 15, 2006 (June 12, 2006 birthday). Two years later they were blessed with fraternal twin daughters that joined their family on August 21, 2008 (April 11, 1999 birthday). What truly completed their family and gave Jeff the title he was most proud of was the birth of his first granddaughter, Leilani Lyn, on August 29, 2020. He proudly bore the title of Funpa..."like a regular grandpa, but funner!"
Jeff loved to go hunting, camping, riding his motorcycle (with and without Karol), cooking, sports (especially the SF Giants), traveling and most of all, time with his family. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lodi and had been a past member of the Men's Ministry, Deacon and Usher.
Jeff was preceded in death by two angel babies and his 3 sets of grandparents. He is survived by his loving wife, Karol; sons, Jonah and Kaleb; daughters, Jenny and Sarah; and granddaughter, Leilani. He also leaves behind his dad, Bob Kellar (Andrea); mom, Maryann Cox-Martin (Larry); 2 sisters, Kristine Kellar and Emily McCargar (Andy); 3 brothers, Eric Stannard (Laura), Mark Stannard (Christian), and Josh Martin; his bonus parents, Chuck and Jeri Springer; as well as, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life has been planned for Jeff and will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at First Baptist Church, 267 N. Mills Ave., Lodi, CA. 95242, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.
Donations can be made to the Disabled Veterans in his honor. I know this would mean the world to him. A GoFundMe has been set up for the family under "Support for the Kellar Family".