Dick and I taught together at Illini Bluffs HS beginning in the mid 1960's.   He was a dedicated teacher, coach, and a fine man.  We worked together for many years.  Whenever somebody learned that I was a teacher in Glasford, Illinois, the response was usually the same.  "Do you know Dick Kelso ?"   His enthusiasm and warmth were genuine and well known by all that knew him.  



I have known Dick  since 1968 thru teaching and coaching along with my neighbor Pat O’connor ,Vic Durkholtz  and Mike Klein. The group was very dedicated to there profession. He will be missed by all who knew him!

Got to know dick playing golf in the bandits golf at parkview . He always  wanted to talk about baseball he loved his cubs . But knew alot about the game.  He shared  many stories  about  many things . And he could play golf . That pitch he had that would bounce  out in front of the green and roll onto the green was just magic  . Had that touch . You are now home with your wife  that you love so much ❤ you will be missed Mr. Kelso   play on tee it up and hit them long  you are truly  one  of of a kind . 

Our condolences to Dick's family.  He was a good buddy, a fond friend, and a great competitor!!    Dick Lounsberry

Growing up with frequent visits with the "Group" personalities such as Richard Kelso provided me with such humor and efforts to enjoy our lives with Family friends is truly rare. My discussions and time with Richard certainly often focused on sports and challenges we all came across in younger years. Richard always chose a positive outlook and supporting his students and all of us "group" kids.  I remember on two separate occasions which I am not sure I would respond with such grace and humor that involved Richard and I.  My inability to back out my parents car resulted my "wiping" out the side of Richard's car parked immediately parallel.  During our outing in Glassboro, I led the kids to expand our activities beyond the Kelso's yard when we decided to investigate their empty neighbors home after throwing crab apples at the roof and windows.  You and Marilyn are greater missed Richard. We are glad you are together again in Heaven abd will continue to look down all us until we meet again. Love Monty Dolieslager

My condolences to the Kelso family.  I knew Dick from golf and talking to him at the Moose.  I thoroughly enjoyed his stories and passion for his beloved Cubs and I would like to share a story that I hope will make you smile.  Prior to the Cubs winning the World Series in 2016 I won a door a prize at a golf outing I was playing in.  The prize was a wood hand carved replica of the front of Wrigley Field.  I am not a big baseball fan (if I was the Cubs would be my team) and knew immediately who I was going to give this too. I finally was able to catch Dick at the Moose one day and told him I had something to give him.  I went to my car and brought in the Wrigley Field replica and gave it to him.  My lord you would of thought I gave him the keys to Fort Knox.  He got a little emotional and profusely thanked me.  After the Cubbies won I asked him if he wrote anything on the chalk board that represented the electronic marquee on the real sign.  He said he wrote "2016 World Champs" and I asked him if I could have a picture of that.  About a week later I was in the Moose and he handed me the picture and I still have it on the wall of my home office.  Again my condolences to all.
Sincerely 
Gary Affolter

One of the greatest teachers/coaches/educators I came into contact during my time as an educator at many schools in Peoria County.  He always had time for other teachers and coaches and was happy to share his unique philosophy about working with kids and adults.  A great leader.   It was my good fortune to know Dick.  He was just a great guy!!!!  Thoughts and prayers for the Kelso family.

Dick was a wonderful guy.  I got to know him well during my officiating days.   He was always friendly and respectful and full of life.  God bless his loved ones.  He will be missed.  

The girls and I from Busy Corner,  had this made to put at his table after we heard the sad news. 

So very sad to hear about the passing of this legendary man.  He left an indelible stamp on my life and on the lives of countless others who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him during his remarkable life.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and legion of friends who are left behind to cherish his memory and celebrate a life very well lived.  

A true friend and GREAT  cub fan!! Will be sadly missed by all his friends at BUSY CORNER..rest in peace my friend

  Mr. Kelso brought a real fondness for teaching, and sharing his talents, to our High School.  He had a sense of humor which he shared generously with other educators and the students, showing his Love and Dedication to his chosen field.  Thank you, Mr.  Kelso for showing us the Way.  Rest in Peace.  Heartfelt condolences to his daughters, and family.

So much to say, and too many memories to list just one.  He was a mentor, an advisor, and most importantly a great friend.  He lived a great life and his work at Illini Bluffs will never be forgotten.

To the family of Richard,  he was a man of honor and it was pleasure to know him. May God comfort you during this time. I know he is enjoying golf in heaven, as it was his passion. Blessings.

I have many fond memories of Dick. Always a fun guy, caring and loving.   But what a" pain"when the St. Louis Cardinals were playing the Chicago Cubs. If we three couples were in St. Louis , 2 Cardinal couples, and he and Marilyn,the Cub fans, and the Cards . were winning, Dick was NO WHERE to be found..  Such fun we all had together.. He will be sadly missed..An all around super guy.  

Much heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones.  One could never forget Mr. Dick Kelso..He was one of a kind and a good friend to many.       With much sadness,  Bon Newsam-Nuhn
                                         
                                                                         

Condolences to Kim, Lisa and their families. Many fond memories of Dick and Marilyn.

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with  the Family

There are so many special memories of Dick and Marilyn in my years at Illini Bluffs.  He was always a perfect gentleman and special person to staff as well as to the student body.  Those of us who were privileged to teach with him knew the positive influence he had with everyone he touched.  He will certainly be missed.

So saddened to hear this. My most fond memory of Mr. Kelso was how he and my father teased one another about their Cub vs. Cardinal rivalry. He went so far as to draft a fake letter of some sort and mailed it to my dad. It was too long ago to remember the content. We all believed it was real for a moment because it seemed so hard to believe.  I sure wish we still had that letter. And of course he always called me Wickert. That was the safest way to not mess up my name! Those old teachers at IB were such a blessing. He was a good man and I’m better having known him. 

OBITUARY

Richard "Dick" Logan Kelso

April 15, 1934 – May 19, 2021

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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