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John Kellen Obituary
1948 -2016
Lovingly remembered by his family, friends and the community, Dr. John D. Kellen passed away on November 12, 2016 at the age of 68. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary Kellen of Hollywood, CA, John was born and raised in Southern California and married his high school sweetheart Marilyn. John graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1975 and began his dental practice in Stockton.
John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was known for his kindness, generosity, humor, and charm. He loved boating on the Delta with his family, snow skiing in Tahoe and being near the ocean. He was a golf enthusiast and member of Brookside Country Club for many years and supporter of the Stockton Symphony.
John was dedicated to his practice for more than 40 years and was beloved by his patients. In 2004 John brought Dr. Amy Scriven into his practice, retired in 2012 and continued to demonstrate his usual generosity volunteering weekly at St. Raphael's Dental Clinic.
A member and Past President of the San Joaquin Dental Society, John was instrumental in guiding the Society to establish and refurbish a permanent office in Stockton. John was a long standing member and supporter of the California Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
John is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, son Scott (Alison) of Sacramento, daughter Trina (Morgan Lee) of London, England; grandchildren Juliana and Michael Kellen and Madison and Tabitha Lee; siblings Carole, Peter and Bob, and nieces and nephews.
There will be a private celebration honoring John's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Raphael's Dental Clinic at St. Mary's Dining Room, c/o San Joaquin Dental Society, 7869 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton, CA 95207.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kellen
Dwight Swanson
November 21, 2024
John will always be remembered fondly. He was the first dentist who became "the dentist" to me. First dentist to actually get my left side numb! Which was a great event for me. We often discussed advances in dentistry. His children were students of mine at St. Mary's High School. John always seemed to be larger than life.
Victoria Seabourn-Cabrera
July 25, 2017
A fantastic dentist. He was my dentist for years, he did excellent work and had a great personality. I moved to Tx 7 yrs ago, but i am headed west, thought I'd try and get an aapt. If he was still in practice. Sadly i came up with his obituary. You will be missed. R.I.P. Dr. Kellen.
Budge Givler
January 5, 2017
My heart is saddened. John and Marilyn became dear friends as we journeyed together through those years at Creighton. Life took us far apart in miles but the memories and love we shared remain precious. I am so privileged and grateful that John has a chapter in my own book of life. I pray that the soul of this faithful departed friend may rest in eternal peace.
Tommy Thomson
December 11, 2016
We shall reunite in heaven and paint and wallpaper a few houses.
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Courtney Bowers
December 6, 2016
John was a wonderful man with a kind heart, who always greeted me with a smile. I have fond memories of him washing his car on the weekends, always stopping to wave as I passed by. The Kellen family will always hold a special place in my heart. While he is missed, John's spirit is alive in his children and grandchildren.
Dwight Swanson
December 6, 2016
A great and upbeat guy.
Mark Watkins
December 6, 2016
Dr. Kelley was the very best that our family ever had. Thank you for taking care and explaining everything. You will always be part of us.
Kevin Oliver
December 5, 2016
Shocked to hear of the passing of Dr. Kellen, I have to say he was the best dentist I have ever had. He always made time to ask about each of my children when there. I always remember his stomach growling when work on my teeth... I was saddened when he retired. RIP Doc, someone up there needs a good dentist... Prayers and Thoughts to the Family...
Cindy Oliver
December 5, 2016
Dr. Kellen, thank you for taking care of our dental needs for 20 years. I'm sadden to hear of your passing but honored to have met you. You took great care of our four children and my scardy cat husband! Hugs and prayers to your family
Scott Sexson
December 1, 2016
I met John about 5 years ago through a mutual friend. He was a bright light as a man and a friend. I carry so much gratitude that I was able to know him and spend time with him. I will hold him dear to my heart and memory. Bless you to Marilyn and your family, you are all in my thoughts.
November 30, 2016
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kellen Family. The gang at Stockton Color Center.
Paul Kimball
November 29, 2016
Thinking of Dr. Kellen and Marilyn. I just had my teeth cleaned at his former office. Such wonderful memories of taking our daughters there. Thank you. Peace to Marilyn and family.
Susan Doyle
November 29, 2016
Was so sad reading the paper to find out that my dentist of 30 yrs had passed he had the best bed side manner and I called him my painless dentist he always had a way of numbing you without any pain. he was a very caring man always interested in his patients family members a dentist you never had a fear of going to . I have never been able to find a dentist to replace him and do not think I ever will my condolences to Marilyn and their children and grandchildren I remember Scott from the days at presentation school my husband help coach him in basketball and John always attended the games and was very proud of his son playing out on the court. John will surely be missed not only as a dentist but as a family man rest in peace John we have a good dentist in heaven now God called you home. Susan Doyle and family.
Freya Saltzman
November 28, 2016
So sorry to hear that Dr. Kellen passed away. He was my Dentist for many years. He always treated me so kindly. My sincere condolences to the family.
Catherine Johnson
November 28, 2016
Dr. Kellen tended to me and my family for many years. He was the only dentist I ever had who would actually clean your teeth. He was always so gentle with my mouth. I got teary when he told me a couple years ago he was retiring; I just wish he had more time to enjoy retirement with his much-loved family...My heart-felt condolences to Marilyn, the kids and the grandkids...
November 28, 2016
So sorry to read that Dr. Kellen has passed away. He was our family dentist for so many. He always treated us like friends during our appointments. Such a rare thing to do in these busy times. Prayers to you Marilyn and your family. Paulett Frink and family
Linda Berensen
November 28, 2016
Though there are tears in my eyes, there is a smile in my heart remembering John. I met him as a patient ... so, so many years ago. Over the years we talked about everything from classic cars to putting pictures on the ceiling of the exam rooms so patients would have something pleasant to view. My appointments were always more of a 'visit' than a cleaning or filling.
My heart goes out to you, Marilyn and to your precious children and grandchildren. He was so proud of you and loved you all so deeply. John will be greatly missed.
November 27, 2016
So sorry to learn of Dr Kellens passing. My condolences to you Marilyn and your family. He was gem and made visiting the dentist a pleasant experience.
Gunter and Aurora Konold
November 27, 2016
We have nothing but the fondest memories of our former dentist, Dr. Kellen. Our sincere condolences to Marilyn and the family.
Pat Crowell
November 27, 2016
I'm so sad to be reading this. Dr. Kellen was my dentist for many years and he and his wife were always so nice and caring. He would always ask about my children and my grandchildren. My condolences to his family. He'll be greatly missed.
John Wolters
November 27, 2016
So sorry. Lost a great dentist and neighbor. John will be in my prayers and thoughts. He glued a tooth back in to place about twenty years ago and said it would stay a few years. Of course, it is still locked in!
Beverly Sheehy
November 27, 2016
Light and peace John
Steve Dial
November 27, 2016
John was a good neighbor. He hosted Neighborhood Watch meetings and was always outside washing his cars or doing something which he would interrupt to smile and wave as I drove by. We are sorry you have gone. RIP
Forrest (Frosty) Gelbke
November 27, 2016
John was my friend and neighbor for over 40 years. He was a very caring and thoughtful man. He was always willing to help and support anyone who needed his help. He will be missed by his family and his many friends and neighbors. Rest in Peace my friend!
November 27, 2016
So sorry to hear of Dr. Kellen's passing. He was my dentist for a number of years and was a very nice, caring man. My condolences to Marilyn and his family. Carolyn Padgitt
Larry and Suzanne Estes
November 27, 2016
Dr. Kellen always welcomed our family with a smile and was always concerned about our children's lives. He and his wife are two of the nicest people we know. Though we have moved away from Stockton we always thought and continue to talk about our experiences with John. R.I.P.
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