Kris Charles Kelty, age 71, of Monroe passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife, Jeanette at his side on Sunday, July 10, 2022. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2010 and also battled chronic systolic cardiomyopathy for several years. He was born on January 29, 1951 the son of Charles and Louise (Heinzelman) Kelty. Kris graduated from Monroe High School and lived and worked in Monroe all of his life.
Kris was united in marriage to his first wife Carol (Schultz) on May 20, 1972 and in that union, they welcomed their two sons, Matthew and Jacob. The marriage ended but the well-being of their sons remained a primary focus for them as the boys grew, left home and began lives of their own.
Kris was united in marriage to Jeanette C. Hoyer (Ohms) on March 14, 1992 at the Methodist Church in Clarno. Kris worked for several years at St. Clare Hospital in Monroe in the maintenance dept. and also drove truck over the road. He also served in the National Guard. Kris had a keen interest in woodworking and he wanted to open his own business as a cabinet and furniture builder and after doing apprenticeship in northern WI he opened Kelty's Cabinets and Furniture in Monroe in 1985. Kris has custom built many kitchens and furniture projects all around the Monroe area including the alter and baptismal font for the chapel at St. Clare Hospital, cabinets and counters for the Albany Library and Alp & Dell Cheese store here in Monroe. Kris so enjoyed this type of work and there are many who would say that they could tell if they were Kelty Cabinets because they were well made and “built to stand the test of time.” Kris retired the business in 2010 due to his health problems but was always there for anyone who sought out his expertise in woodworking.
Kris enjoyed family gatherings for Christmas, birthdays, Fourth of July (as there are some who have been known to say, “Kris loved to blow things up!” and many other family/friends events. Kris and Jeanette learned stained glass making and worked on many projects together, even participating in art shows for a few years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cars & car shows, motorcycles, stained glass, playing pool and cards with his close friends of many years. Kris traveled to Canada for many years to camp and enjoyed walleye fishing with his friends. He and Jeanette traveled around the US, particularly out west making New Mexico and Colorado treasured destinations. Kris was also a participant and Honorary Member of the black powder/primitive camping club, Yellowstone Flint and Cap, INC.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; children Matt (Tracey) Kelty of Edgerton, Jacob Kelty of Ft. Atkinson, and step-son Cory (Ann) Ohms of Mahomet, IL and his grandchildren Nate (fiance Jessica)Kelty of Madison WI, Kyle of Fort Atkinson, Gabriel of Edgerton, Grace of White Water, Benjamin and William Ohms of Mahomet IL, sister Carol Ellingson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and bother-in-law, Larry Ellingson.
A memorial will be established in Kris's name and A Celebration of Kris’s Life will be announced and held at a later date for his family and many friends that were so important to him in his life. Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
