ELKHART — George P. "Pat" Kelsey, 75, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family over the past holiday, after a brief illness.

He was born in Rockford, Ill., on Oct. 21, 1940, to the late William and Florence (Fenwick) Kelsey.

He married Catherine "Cat" Wyatt on Jan. 24, 1991, in Elkhart. She survives at home.

Surviving are his daughters, Cassandra "Cassie" Kelsey, Reaunna (Bana) Veen and Linda Mealerts; sons Sean and Patrick Kelsey; brothers John (Charlotte), Jim (Donna) and Bernie (Deb) Kelsey; and grandson Alexander.

A Mass will be celebrated at noon Friday, Dec. 4, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1331 N. Main St., Elkhart, with visitation start at 10:30 a.m. Father Jason Freiburger will officiate. Entombment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.

Billings Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Pat was a highly skilled master machinist by trade whose entrepreneurial and inventive talent led him to found Jus-Rite Engineering and the Accutech company, both of Elkhart. He loved the outdoors, and his hobbies included fishing, working on his lawn and garden, fishing, target shooting and fishing. Oh, and fishing.

Because of his technical background, he also enjoyed working with all things mechanical, including radio-controlled model race cars, photography and his motorcycles. He'll be best remembered for his love for his friends and family, his willingness to help out others and being an avid NASCAR fan.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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