John Edward Kelsey

John Edward Kelsey, 96, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 1:51 am on Monday, October 3, 2022, at home with his wife and two children at his side.

John was born on December 26, 1925, in Omaha, NE, to Edward and Margaret (Mayernick) Kelsey. He married Donna J. Marchand on January 11, 1958, in Metamora, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Donna of Germantown Hills; daughter, Debra (Steve) Davis of Antioch, IL; son, Daniel (Deborah) Kelsey of Kingston Mines, IL; two grandchildren; and brother, Cecil Kelsey of Peru, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings.

John was drafted on his 18th birthday into World War II, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, responsible for decoding classified top-secret military maneuvers, from 1943 to 1946, having the honor of working directly with General Douglas MacArthur. Upon returning home, John went on to serve his country as a state police officer and criminal investigator for over 30 years.

He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora, a third-degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

John had the heart of a servant, knowing no strangers, helping his neighbors and offering a kind word to all he encountered. He loved gardening, bowling, fishing, having a cup of coffee with friends, and being with his family. John's dream was to see the Cubs win the World Series and in 2016 he had the celebration of a lifetime. Then, in 2019, he was honored on Wrigley Field with the entire Cubs team for his service to his country.

He was a blessing to his family and friends. He was the one everyone turned to for help, advice, and a father figure to many. He loved to smile and tell stories. John would say his greatest accomplishments were his two children and 65 years of marriage to the love of his life. They shared a special love that was truly beautiful.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 pm on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with visitation to follow from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Burial will follow his Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. A celebration of life and luncheon will be held at 12:30 pm at Bernardi's in Washington, IL for John's friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Germantown Hills Fire and Rescue Department, 313 Prairie Avenue, Germantown Hills, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Germantown Hills Fire Protection Department
313 Prairie Avenue, Germantown Hills IL 61548
Web: http://www.germantownhillsfd.com