"As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now are a part of us; as we remember them."

Navy Chief! Navy Pride!

Thinking of your family during your time of grief 

Prayers for strength, peace, comfort, and healing for family and friends. Rest in peace Brother.

Don't know him personally but he is my Chief Brother.  Sending prayers of comfort to his wife and children.

We have the watch shipmate and Rest In Peace Brother! Let God watch over your family and guide them in during this trying time! From your Sister, a Navy Chief! 

Fair winds and following seas.  Rest In Peace Brother.  Hugs and prayers for family and friends.  May God grant you comfort, peace and understanding.  
Love,
Theresa

Although I did not know him, he was a Brother.  May he rest in peace, and may his family find peace in the memories.  Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch. 

Dale, Katie and Tara sorry for your loss. Please don't forget that the mess/ Navy family is here if you ever need anything. 

Joe, my loving brother. We have had so many treasured memories growing up as children and as adults. I have always adored you and always wanted to take care of my little brother.  You have such a beautiful family and it's beyond words how proud I am of you. Rest in peace my precious brother, you are free of pain now, and I will miss and love you very much. I know I will see you again. Until then. With all my heart and soul, I love you. 💖💖

Words are not enough to describe how well loved  and respected Joe was to all of us and specially to me. He was my mentor when I first moved to Oakland, CA. after joining the Navy in Subic Bay, Philippines. He was the first person who answered the phone when I called him and Dale in Alameda right after I settled in at Oakland Naval Hospital. Shortly after that, I was a regular at their household on most weekends. Since I just rode my bike from Oakland to Alameda, I remember Joe asked me that first time I biked to their military housing, "Ton, which route did you take coming here?" When I told him the route I rode from Oakland, his eyebrows just went up! He said, "Man, that is a rough neighborhood! You're lucky you made it here". We just busted out laughing. 
During one winter trip to Lake Tahoe, and my first snow encounter, Joe gave me a quick lesson on how snow felt waist deep when he said, "Hey Ton, check out that smooth snow surface." Next thing I knew, I was stuck.
Since we stayed in a log cabin, with a cozy loft, I decided to stay up there but forgot that heat rises. With the fireplace burning, it did not take long before I was sweating bullets. I said, "Hey Joe, it's hot up here." He was already in tears laughing even before I complained. Joe and I had a lot of laughs the times we were together. He was like a big brother, very loving yet very funny. I learned a lot from Joe. Thanks neighbor.
I'm going to miss you neighbor and will always cherish those moments when you and Dale made me a part of your family. I'm glad I had a friend like you. May you rest in peace and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Joe,

You were there for me at a time I needed you most. You were there for me as a friend and a mentor and taught me things I will never forget! I will forever be grateful for you and will always remember our time together, rest easy my friend, till I see you again!

Thinking of you Katie and Andy and Mrs Dale and the whole family at this time of grief and sadness ...praying for God's peace and comfort for you all..yall are in my thoughts  and prayers always 
..sending y'all much love❤ Alice 

OBITUARY

Joseph Fredrick Kelsch

August 21, 1959 – June 4, 2019

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation