James Kelbly
Member
George E. Kelbly Sr., age 87 of North Lawrence, Ohio passed away May 14, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
George was born October 21,1936 in Marshallville, Ohio, to John and Emma (Butzer) Kelbly and graduated from Smithville High School in 1954. He married the love of his life Karen Elizabeth Bodager in 1957 and she survives.
George was a 25-year Union Bricklayer, he also was a custom homebuilder and a Wayne County HBA President. In 1969 he started Kelbly’s Rifle Range which hosted many benchrest tournaments from regional, national, and international events including the Firearms Industry Super Shoot for 50 years. In 1981 he and Ralph Stolle formed Kelbly’s Inc., a firearms manufacturing company that his three sons and two grandsons currently run building and selling firearms Worldwide. George was extremely proud of his and his families’ accomplishments in the firearms industry.
George was a member of the Orrville Ohio Masonic Lodge 430, a lifetime NRA member. A lifetime member, Regional Director, and National President for the National Benchrest Shooters Association (NBRSA). He was inducted into the NBRSA Eastern Region Hall of Fame. He was a Regional, National and World Champion in Benchrest group shooting. He and Karen traveled throughout the USA and many foreign countries for him to compete.
In addition to his wife, Karen, surviving are his daughter Marilyn (Mark) Endicott, sons George Jr (Ruthie) Kelbly, James (Cheryl) Kelbly, Mike (Kim) Kelbly, six grandsons Ian (Amy) Kelbly, Ryan Kelbly, Max (Eva Mae) Kelbly, Eddie (Tara) Battig, Nathan Kelbly, Caleb Endicott and two great grandchildren Gunner Kelbly, and Kennedy Jones.
He was preceded in death by both parents; sister Marilyn Wyckoff, and brother John (Wes) Kelbly Jr.
Service will be held Friday May 17, 2024, 10am viewing and 11am service at Auble Funeral Home in Orrville, Ohio. Graveside services at Maple Grove Cemetery in Marshallville Ohio.
In leu of flowers, donations can be made Elara Caring Hospice 1530 W Market St Akron, OH 44313
George was born October 21,1936 in Marshallville, Ohio, to John and Emma (Butzer) Kelbly and graduated from Smithville High School in 1954. He married the love of his life Karen Elizabeth Bodager in 1957 and she survives.
George was a 25-year Union Bricklayer, he also was a custom homebuilder and a Wayne County HBA President. In 1969 he started Kelbly’s Rifle Range which hosted many benchrest tournaments from regional, national, and international events including the Firearms Industry Super Shoot for 50 years. In 1981 he and Ralph Stolle formed Kelbly’s Inc., a firearms manufacturing company that his three sons and two grandsons currently run building and selling firearms Worldwide. George was extremely proud of his and his families’ accomplishments in the firearms industry.
George was a member of the Orrville Ohio Masonic Lodge 430, a lifetime NRA member. A lifetime member, Regional Director, and National President for the National Benchrest Shooters Association (NBRSA). He was inducted into the NBRSA Eastern Region Hall of Fame. He was a Regional, National and World Champion in Benchrest group shooting. He and Karen traveled throughout the USA and many foreign countries for him to compete.
In addition to his wife, Karen, surviving are his daughter Marilyn (Mark) Endicott, sons George Jr (Ruthie) Kelbly, James (Cheryl) Kelbly, Mike (Kim) Kelbly, six grandsons Ian (Amy) Kelbly, Ryan Kelbly, Max (Eva Mae) Kelbly, Eddie (Tara) Battig, Nathan Kelbly, Caleb Endicott and two great grandchildren Gunner Kelbly, and Kennedy Jones.
He was preceded in death by both parents; sister Marilyn Wyckoff, and brother John (Wes) Kelbly Jr.
Service will be held Friday May 17, 2024, 10am viewing and 11am service at Auble Funeral Home in Orrville, Ohio. Graveside services at Maple Grove Cemetery in Marshallville Ohio.
In leu of flowers, donations can be made Elara Caring Hospice 1530 W Market St Akron, OH 44313
