Obituary of Edward Joseph Kellar

KELLAR EDWARD J Ed was born in Pierre, SD to Mary and Leo Kellar on July 7, 1949. He graduated from Pierre Riggs High School in 1967. After high school, Ed joined the Navy and served during the Viet Nam war, as a communications specialist, on “The Mighty O”, an aircraft carrier better known as the USS Oriskany. Returning from the military, Ed earned a degree in Architectural Drafting and Construction Technology from Mitchell Vocational Technical Institute. For the past 20+ years, Ed was an employment specialist for the SD Department of Labor. He retired about four years ago. Ed enjoyed an active lifestyle, much of it centered on the outdoors. He was a kayak paddler and an avid hunter. Ed liked people and entertained many an audience telling stories about his kayaking and hunting exploits. It made no difference whether a particular trip was an exciting adventure or a rainy outing, Ed managed to enjoy himself as he helped others enjoy the outdoors. He had the gift of making any particular trip sound like the best time in the world as he recounted his adventures. In the winter, Ed enjoyed being a snow-bird, at his residence in Phoenix, Arizona. Ed is survived by his daughter, Kelly, of Yankton, and by his special friend, Nadine Burow, of Vermillion, his brothers Jim and Bill from Sioux Falls and Pat, from Yankton. Ed was everyone’s favorite uncle and he has numerous nieces and nephews who mourn his passing. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother. Memorial donations may be made to Ability Building Services, 919 W. 23rd Street, Yankton. Ed’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to Avera Health Services, and to Dr. Ben Solomon and his superb staff from Avera Oncology. Ed’s last months were a time of peace, filled with the joy of family and friends. He was lovingly cared for in his final days by his amazing brother, Bill and by the compassionate, professional caregivers from Prince of Peace Assisted Living Center and Dougherty House Hospice, in Sioux Falls…people who can never be thanked enough.