Jack A. Kellett

Jack Kellett, 77, entered eternal life in his home on Saturday, May 23, 2015, surrounded by the love of his family following a brief illness.
Jack was born on May 13, 1938, in Milwaukee 15 minutes after his twin brother Bill. Jack was the son of Enoch and Lillian (Hanson) Kellett and was the youngest of seven children, Shirley (Howie) Lehrer, Joan (George) Menne, Daniel (Mary) Kellett, Bruce Kellett, June (Dick) Harkins and Bill Kellett.
Jack’s first job was as a paper delivery boy and it was on his route where he met a man that opened his eyes to a lifetime love of hunting and fishing. Jack loved his hunting buddies and loved teaching his nephews, nieces, children, grandchildren and friends, how to hunt, fish and to enjoy nature.
Jack married his loving wife Arlene Zastrow on June 2, 1962. Jack and Arlene moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1963 where Jack was the Voice of the North on WSOO radio. In 1964 their son Jay was born. In 1967 they moved to Oshkosh where Jack finished college and worked as a news reporter for the Oshkosh Northwestern. Their daughters, Jill and Janell were both born in Oshkosh. In 1964 Jack and Arlene bought a cabin on South Turtle Lake. Jack, Arlene and the kids enjoyed spending time in Winchester.
Jack began his teaching career in Winneconne where he met wonderful lifelong friends. Jack, Arlene and the kids moved to Mequon in 1972, where he taught at Lake Shore Middle School until retiring in 1998. Jack loved reading and teaching the kids about nature and wildlife through books like Where the Red Fern Grows. Jack and Arlene moved to the lake house in Winchester in 2000 and thoroughly enjoyed their retirement on South Turtle Lake. They became “snowbirds” when they purchased a second home in Arizona where they enjoyed their winters.
One thing known for sure is that Jack was loved. Jack made us laugh. Jack taught us to love life, love learning and love nature. Once you met Jack you never forgot him and the thought of him makes you smile. Maybe Jack was your teacher or your hunting buddy. Maybe he taught you how to fish, hunt or shoot a bow. Maybe you sat around the table one night talking and playing cards or watching the History Channel. And of course, at some point when you were with Jack he asked you, “Do you think I look like Brad Pitt?” Jack was funny, a joy to be around and will be remembered.
Visitation is being held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5434 Church Street in Boulder Junction, on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at 11:00 followed by a service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be at the Winchester Cemetery immediately following the service. A luncheon will be held at the Winchester Town Hall immediately following.
Jack is survived by his wife Arlene, son Jay, daughters Jill (John) and Janell (Michael), and grandchildren, Jaclene, Zach, Conrad, Lucas and Cooper, his sisters Shirley, Joan, June (Dick) and brother Bill along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Wild Instincts Rehabilitation Center for Wildlife at www.wildinstinctsrehab.com, Exodus House at www.exodus-house.com or to Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder Junction.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.