Ashland--- Donald D. Kelle, 85, went to heaven to be with his beloved wife, Kathy on Saturday, June 25, 2022. He was born December 23, 1936 in Napoleon, ND, a son of the late George and Martha (Remmick) Kelle.

Public service was important to Don and began for him with his Air Force military service.  His orders to a remote radar site in St. Anthony, Newfoundland changed his life forever by meeting his future wife, a young woman named Bertha "Kathy" Alcock.  During their 61 years of marriage, they traveled the world with their children, Jodean and Michael.  Don served honorably for 23 years, which included two tours with his family to Wiesbaden Germany where he was able to utilize is fluency in the German language.  His service also included time during the Korean conflict.  His final destination leading into his retirement was being stationed at a radar site in Ashland, Maine.  He and Kathy fell in love with the area and upon his retirement made the decision to make Ashland their home.

The next phase in his professional life; lead him to a career in finance working for many years in the banking industry.  He took great pride in his work and was known for his professionalism and ethics. He ended his financial career working with Consumer Credit Counseling where he was able to meld his financial skills with his commitment to service by assisting people in financial need to get back on the road to success.

Don's passion for service continued beyond his time in the military to the local community.  An active member in the community, he was elected to the Ashland Town Council and served as a member of the SAD 32 School Board.  His time on the town council lead to a seat on the board of the Northern Maine Development Commission where he worked to support businesses throughout Aroostook County.  He was an active member of the local VFW and the Ashland Senior Citizen group and enjoyed the time he and Kathy spent with friends.

The love of music was an important aspect of his life.  He and Kathy often attended music festivals during their travels. Fond memories by family members include listening to Don whistle around the house.

While committed to his career and service, he was highly devoted to his family.  Ensuring his family spent time during their military travels to visit and learn about the locations where they were stationed.  Trips to neighboring countries and opportunities to participate in local events, such as Volksmarches and excursions by the Rhine River to see the castles were common family adventures.  As his family grew to include grandchildren, they became the highlight of his life.  His greatest joy were times when the entire family gathered together for a family barbeques at their home in Ashland.  He was always there for each of his grandchildren, Ashlee, Abby and Logan to offer loving words of encourage, support and sage advice.  He became emotional when he was able to meet his first great-grandson Philip and was proud that he was able to see four generations of his family together.

As he often said, he lost his rudder in life, his love Kathy in February 2020.  He will be forever remembered by his daughter Jodean "Jody" and her husband Doug Carsley, son Michael and his wife Janet, granddaughters Ashlee and husband Jay Lombard, Abby Lucas, Logan and her husband Frank Parrinello, and great-grandson Philip.

Please join the family for graveside services on Monday, July 11, 2022 at 12:00 noon at Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Lombard Rd., Caribou. For those wishing to honor Don's commitment to service and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St./PO Box 39, Ashland.