Harold “Puder” Earl Kelsh, age 73 of Helena passed away at his home on July 8, 2011. He was born April 1, 1938 to Leo P. and Cecelia E. (Dupuis) Kelsh in Helena, Montana.
After graduation Harold entered the National Guard and obtained his Associate’s Degree. He was then employed as a Civil Engineer Technician and retired from the Federal Highway Administration. Harold was a loving father and his greatest moments were spending time with his children.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children; sons, Jeff Kelsh and Stacey Kelsh both of Prince George, B.C., Canada and daughter, Jennifer Kelsh of Bozeman, MT.; grandchildren, Maeli Ann Kelsh of Prince George; brother, Edgar Kelsh; sisters, Celie Anderson and Diane Humphrey and his uncle and aunt, Frank and Mary Ellen Cooney.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. A social gathering will follow the service at the Lewis and Clark Fairground’s first pavilion. Memorials in Harold’s name may be sent to the Montana PBS., Visual Communications Bldg. 183, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717 or to the United Way of Lewis and Clark Area, PO Box 862 • Helena, Montana 59624. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Harold, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Dorie Bogard-Kuhl says
Dear Family~
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We will miss Puder dearly. I will always remember our conversations across the fence just as our Mothers’ did for more than 73ish or so years. I guess Puder was 3 months old when Mr. & Mrs. Kelsh moved into the house next door to my folks. We have had many good memories of all us kids growing up together. The 6th Ward will miss Puder dearly. May all the loving memories outway the loss of such a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family of Puder and all his dear friends that loved him so. He will be missed greatly and now there will only be memories of our dear Puder. Rest in Peace. You are truly in your final resting place with Almighty Father.
Love & Prayers Always~ Dorie Bogard-Kuhl
Mikayla Howard says
Dear Family~
I will miss Puder very much as he was like an uncle to me. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff, Stacey & wife, Jennifer, Diane, Celie, & Edgar and mostly little Maylie because she will never have a chance to know what a great guy her Grampa Puder would have been. He was a special guy! There’s not many people on this planet as nice as Puder.
My Grandma Dorie thought the world of him. They would talk over the fence quite frequently and visit in Great Grandma Martha’s yard during the summer. Puder will be missed greatly!!
Love & Prayers~ Mikayla
Diana says
Dear Jeff, Stacey, Jennifer, Diane, Celie, & Edgar~
I am so so very sorry about the loss of your loving Father, Brother, & Grandfather. You have my deepest sympathy.
I will always remember Puder as a fabulous Godfather.
My Mother, Dorie & Puder were neighbors for many years who followed tradition of more than 80+ years of my grandmother, Martha Bogard & Mrs. Kelsh of visiting over the fence. There will definitely be a void in our lives. The 6th Ward will miss Puder!
Puder was such a amazingly fun loving person who seemed to make your day a little brighter & always put a smile on your face.
For all who knew Puder~ May all your loving memories overcome the pain of your loss! He was such a great human being!
Puder~ We will always love you & keep you in our Hearts! You are definitely missed!