George A. Kelbl

George Anton Kelbl was born on April 15, 1934, to Anton and Theresa (Midlock) Kelbl at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. He graduated from Dow City High School.

On February 23, 1961, George was united in marriage to Amanda Mae “Kitty” Beisker in Kahoka, Missouri. Due to his work in road construction, George and Kitty traveled frequently and lived in several states over the years, including Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. He worked as a heavy equipment operator, running dozers and earth movers, and was employed by MacIntosh until his retirement in the early 1990s. After retiring, George devoted himself to caring for Kitty following her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and he remained by her side until her passing ten years later.

George had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid vegetable gardener, especially known for making salsa with the harvest. He enjoyed fishing—particularly trout fishing—and together with Kitty, they visited nearly every lake in Iowa. He also enjoyed deer hunting and making his own deer jerky.

A true outdoorsman, George found joy in being outside, playing cards, and visiting casinos. He was a gifted storyteller and a jokester, always ready to share a laugh with family and friends. George also loved taking plane trips with his brother-in-law, Harold—adventures that created cherished memories.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by sisters, Louise in infancy and Jeanne Patterson, and nephew, Paul Patterson. He is survived by Paul's wife, Doris Patterson; great nieces and nephews: Luke (Eva) Patterson of Carroll, Sarah (Ryan) Bruening of Carroll, Jessica (Nick) Irving of Carroll, Shane (Mallory) Patterson of Carroll, Moriah Patterson (Ethan Wittrock) of Arcadia, and Hannah Patterson (Freddy X.) of Carroll and close friend, Phyllis Lorenzen of Denison.

Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Dow City Cemetery in Dow City.