Larry Kelsch, age 67 of Mott, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger.


A Celebration of Larry's life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, August 26, at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Mott with Fr. Charles Zins, officiating.


Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, August 27, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at Mandan with Fr. Patrick Schumacher, officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Taylor-Skartvedt American Legion Post #71 of Mott and the Mandan VFW #707.


Larry Kelsch was born June 19, 1941 in Elgin, ND to William and June (Bohn) Kelsch of Bentley, ND. He attended school in Mott, ND graduating in 1959. Larry entered the US Navy in 1959 where he served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Oriskany and the USS Coral Sea. He finished out his military service at Ream Field in Imperial Beach, California, receiving his honorable discharge.

On February 11, 1961, Larry was united in marriage to Judy Munch. From 1962 to 1975 he farmed with his father and brothers in the Mott area. In 1975, he purchased land near Firesteel, SD where he continued to farm until his retirement in 2000. His retirement years were spent farming on a much smaller scale in his beautiful yard and garden. Larry pursued numerous hobbies and was an avid NASCAR fan. "Grandpa" always looked forward to the precious times spent with his grandchildren in various activities.


Surviving family members include his wife, Judy, Mott, ND; 5 sons, Ward (Lisa) Kelsch, Mott, ND; Todd (Jennifer) Kelsch, Ty (Sherry) Kelsch, Steve (Mary Kae) Kelsch, all of Bismarck, ND; Daren (Kristie) Kelsch, Fargo, ND; 6 grandchildren, Andrea, Allison, Kayla, Kamela, Abby, and Drew Kelsch; 2 brothers, Dean (Barb) Kelsch, Dan (Lori) Kelsch all of Mott, ND; 2 sisters, Donna (William) Steckler, Bismarck, ND; Janine Lein, Mott, ND; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents.


Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 1:00 to 7:00pm at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Mott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred by his family to be sent to the Miracle Flights for Kids at www.miracleflights.org or 2764 N. Green Valley Pkwy #115, Green Valley, NV 89014-2120 (800)FLY-1711.