On January 4, 2019, Joseph L. Kelsch, surrounded by his loving family, passed away at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND. Visitation will begin at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 pm, at Myers Funeral Home, Linton, ND.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Linton with Fr. Shannon Lucht officiating. Following the mass service, final resting place will be at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, Linton.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 619 Broadway N. Linton, ND 58552.

Joe was born on January 2, 1940, in Hague, ND, the son of Joseph and Barbara (Senger) Kelsch.  He was raised and educated in Linton, ND and later moved to Eugene, OR in 1956 to continue his education. Joe served his country in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1959.  After his honorable discharge, he began his trade career as a sheet metal worker, heating and air-conditioning technician, and as a farmer.

Joe married JoAnne (Joblinski) Kelsch on September 6, 1968.  In 1969, Joe and JoAnne purchased their farm east of Linton, where they raised their four children. Joe's greatest passions' in life included enjoyment with his family and farming. As a husband and father, he was proud and devoted. He will always be missed by family and friends but will remain in our hearts and prayers forever.

Joe is survived by his wife, JoAnne Kelsch of Linton; one daughter: DeLynn (Kevin) Mittleider; three sons: Michael (Amy) Kelsch, Steve (Cammy) Kelsch, and Scott (Rhonda) Kelsch; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; one sister: Loretta Burgad; two sisters-in-law: Viola Kelsch and Malonia Kelsch; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Alvin Kelsch, Tony Kelsch, Gregory Kelsch Sr., Louis Rohrich, and John Rohrich; and three sisters: Alice Eberle, Maggie Fischer, and Rose Schumacher.