John Edward Kelly, Sr.

John E. Kelly Sr. 75 of Ontario died February 10, 2019 at home. Arrangements by Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario. John Edward Kelly Sr. John died, at peace, after a brief illness on Feb.10, 2019, at his home in Ontario Oregon surrounded by his family. He was born Feb.11,1943 in Payette Idaho to John W. and Ruth (Hunt). He joined two sisters Dorothy (Peer) and Janice (Boyack). A few years later, he was joined by two brothers Donald and Steve. John loved to hunt and fish and had a treasure trove of stories to go along with the adventures. He enjoyed sharing with just about anyone who would listen, especially his children and grandchildren. He loved the mountains and all they had to offer. He grew up in the Boise Valley, and after a brief time of living in Washington couldn't wait to get back home. He did love the fishing for steelhead and salmon until Mt. St. Helens blew and ruined his holes! In 1962 he saundered into the Howdy Partner Drive-in and teased a Montana girl about a date so often that six weeks later they were married, thus began the journey of 56 years, and another treasure trove of stories! John was a self-taught heavy equipment operator and retired from Western Construction with various jobs in between. He was also a successful business owner of Countryside Poultry Processing along with his wife and family. He sold the business in 2018 to retire to his farming. John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Kelly, sister Janice (Boyack) brother Donald. Survivors include his wife Gera (Gerry), children, Peggy (Steve) White, Donna (Riebold), Laura (Chris) Salisbury, John E. Jr. (Adrianna), Rebekah (Gerald) Storey. 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He will be truly missed and forever loved. We know you will watching over us Papa until we see you again. Graveside services to be held at Dry Creek Cemetery at 1:00 PM March 23, 2019 with a Celebration of Life to follow starting at 4:00pm at 633 2nd Avenue South, Payette, Idaho 83617. The Kelly family would like to thank Heart 'N Home for the compassion and care provided in our time of need. Arrangements are under the directions of Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario