Joseph Kellar

JOSEPH D. KELLARAge 78 of rural Elburn, passed away at Delnor Community Hospital, Geneva, Monday, December 5, 2005. BORN:He was born November 14, 1927 in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Leslie D. and Margaret A. (Ulrich) Kellar. Joseph’s father was a salesman whose work took their young family to several communities but Joseph’s school years were spent in Oak Park where he graduated in 1945. MILITARY: He went on to attend the University of Illinois, where he enrolled in a pre-military program. He specialized in weather forecasting and entered the Army at the close of WWII. In the years that followed, he served in Korea and eventually transferred to duty with the Air Force. Returning home in 1952 he moved to Chicago where his parents had come to make their home. He continued his college education under the GI Bill and began working as a manufacturer’s sales representative for several bearing and fastener companies. MARRIAGEOn Nov. 27, 1974, he was united in marriage to Barbara Joyce (Key) Moffett at the old Kane County Courthouse. For two people who loved antiques and historic architecture, it was the perfect setting. They made their home in Wheaton where they opened the Toby House Antiques, on Front Street. BUSINESSLater, their son Craig joined them for a time and in 1979, they opened a shop in Oak Park which eventually became "home base" for this business which took them all across the country to major shows in New York, Texas, Miami and of course, Chicago. Their shop was far more than an outlet for "flea market furnishings". Joseph was well respected for his knowledge of Japenese Art, including Cloisonne’. He specialized in large, sculptured bronze and marbel, as well as paintings. FAMILY NOTES: Through the "family years", Joseph coached a speed skating team in LombardAs wel as Little League and American Legion Teams. He was always very involved in sports but was particularly fond of golfing and tennis. LIFE NOTES / MEMBERSHIPAlways passionate about whatever he pursued, Joseph also had a quick wit which served him well in his business travels. He was a member of MENSA and the Oriental Arts Society.SURVIVORS He is survived by his wife, Barbara of rural Elburn;Five children, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren:Greg (Judy Swardell) Kellar of Naperville, ILHis daughter, Angela (Bryan) Mueller of Shorewood, ILAnd her children: Kevin, Daniel;Coral (David) Stern of Thousand Oaks, CAAnd their family: one daughter Holly Schluetter, and Danielle Stearn Tania (David) Chizzo of Glendale Heights, ILtheir son, Eric (Heather) of DeKalb, and twin daughters: Amanda & Megan;Craig (Linda) Moffett of Hinckley, ILAnd their family, Patrick and Kelly;Martin (Jessica) Moffett of Hermosa Beach, CA,And their family Ava and James Siblings:Marjorie (Harold) Behrendt of Mesa, AZAnd many nieces and nephews. PRECEDED He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Carolyn.MEMORIAL Memorials in his memory may be made in his name and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family through www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 8, 2005, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. from 2:00 to 8:00PM.His funeral service will follow on Friday, December 9 at 11am. The Rev. Ernst Rex , pastor of the Grace Lutheran Church, Lily Lake will officiate.

Cremation will follow with private family committal services to be held later.