John Patrick Kelly passed away on Thursday September 16, 2021 at the age of 73.
The son of Gene and Peggy Kelly, Patrick; as he was known to his family, was born on November 18, 1947 in Des Moines IA. The family moved to Montana when he was a child. Patrick graduated from CM Russell High School in 1966. He enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam conflict. Patrick was stationed in Thailand where he was a communication specialist.
After his service to his country was completed, he came back to Great Falls and started his career as a body repair serviceman. He worked with his father and for several other shops in town before he started working on his own where he specialized in restoring antique cars. Hudson cars were his passion and specialty. Patrick was truly an artist and craftsman. He was a member of the Big Sky Chapter of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplan Club.
Patrick loved animals and always had at least 2 dogs as companions. If someone needed a home for a dog, he would take them in and give them the love and care they needed. It was often said the more people he met the better he liked his dogs!
He is survived by his sisters and their husbands; Susan and Dean Ashley of Great Falls and Colleen and Bill Lorentz of Billings, 3 nephews and 3 nieces and his 2 dogs Gracie and Frankie. There are no funeral services planned per his request. The family is gathering to celebrate his life and to share memories. Memorials in his honor can be made to the Maclean Animal Shelter in Great Falls, MT
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of John Patrick Kelly, please visit our floral store.