Bill Kelsey

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

2 Tim 4:7

On Thursday, March 18, 2021, Byron “Bill” William Kelsey, finished his course here on earth while a patient at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital.

Bill is now present with his Lord and Savior and with his loved ones, who have passed before.

Born September 9, 1940 in Porter, Pa, Jefferson County, he was the son of Robert and Virginia (Shaffer) Kelsey. 

Bill was a member of the Plumcreek Presbyterian Church for many years before transferring to Shelocta Community Presbyterian Church and served both congregations.

He also served four terms as worshipful master of the Indiana-Franklin Masonic Lodge #313 conferring over 100 degrees. 

Bill was immensely proud of his family and loved spending time with them.  He also loved hunting and fishing.  In his later years, Bill spent a lot of time customizing and painting hand carved walking sticks for his friends and family.

Surviving is the love of his life, Carolyn J. (Potts) Kelsey whom he wed on November 4, 1961; three children, Pamela (Rich) Kelsey-Bher, David (Deb) Kelsey, Virginia (John) Gutierrez; six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Zachary, Jonah, John, Diana, and Rebekah; 3 great-grandchildren, Alivia, Collin, and John David; brothers, Bob Kelsey), Tom (Inez) (Kelsey), John (Sharon) (Kelsey); sister, Claudia (Gary) Ficher; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Kelsey.

Friends will be received on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home.  An additional hour of viewing will be held on Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with funeral service to immediately follow in the Lefdahl Chapel with Pastor Kathy Nice, officiating.

Interment in the Zion Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to either Shelocta Community Presbyterian Church or the American Heart Association.

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