Joseph Raymond Kellen

Joseph Raymond Kellen of Dixon, Illinois. He passed at KSB Hospital on November 10, 2024. Joe was born August 31, 1930 in Rockford, Illinois the son of Nicholas and Catherine Faivre Kellen.
He graduated from Amboy High School and served in the Army from 1951-1953 in Alaska where he was a tank driver. He returned home and married his sweetheart Mary Rose Levan. They married in 1953 and were 5 months short of their 70th anniversary when Mary died.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He taught all his grandsons how to play pool and how to drive a Honda 90 motorcycle he bought for them.
Joe enjoyed playing cards, working in the yard and talking with everyone he met.
He was a member of Rock River Restorers Car Club, the American Legion and the Elks Club. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and ushered.
Joe worked at the Dixon Publishing Company for 8 years and retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation after 31 years. He was known as Sign Shop Joe.
Joe is survived by his two children Linda (Dean) Loescher and Jim (Loretta) Kellen. He is survived by his three beloved grandsons and their wives Jeremy (Katie) Loescher, Jason (Katie) Loescher and Joe (Angelia) Loescher. He is also survived by two great grandchildren Silja and Gretchen Loescher.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife Mary Rose; his parents and his siblings Cecil Kellen, Valeria Clark, Les Kellen, Earl Kellen, Amelia Henrich, Gilbert Kellen, Margaret Danekas, Alberta Duffy, Nicholas Kellen and Jack Kellen.
Per the family's request, services will be private.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church and Heritage Square, both in Dixon.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.