Obituary: Don Elmer Kelsey, 95, The Dalles

Don E. Kelsey died August 26, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Born January 1, 1929, in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was the sixth of seven children born to Glen and Viola (Strong) Kelsey.

The family left Wyoming shortly after Don was born, following available work, and lived in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. He lived on his own from the age of 15, finding work as a logger and farm laborer. In December of 1949, he married Evalyn McGuire in Colfax, Washington, and worked there as a farm laborer and then for the highway department. In November of 1950, they moved to The Dalles, where he worked for the highway department and water district. In 1951, they moved to eastern Oregon, where Don worked on McNary Dam.

They returned to The Dalles in early 1953, where they raised their four children, and Don worked for a short time at the Tie Plant and then at The Dalles Dam. In October of that year, he began his electrical apprenticeship. Over the years, he did electrical work in town, as well as on the John Day Dam and eventually in Alaska for nearly two years in the mid 1970’s. Don and Evalyn divorced in 1975.

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In March of 1976, he married Sue Fleishauer in Reno, Nevada, and they moved to Portland. They owned a motel in Portland for a year and a half, but Don continued working in the electrical trade until his retirement in 1991, and they moved to The Dalles. Don built four homes for his family over the years and was known for his large vegetable garden, beautiful flower garden, and a strong work ethic. He loved to travel, fish, and enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Sue; children Diane Kelly, deceased (Doug); Linda Quackenbush (Loyal); David (Wanda); and Steven (Martha). Sue’s children, Lynn Godden; Shanda Wolfe and Laura Pannone; 7 grandchildren, Sara Brandon (Ted) and April Huggler; AJ Quackenbush (Ashlie); Carrie, Sam (Kelsey); Scott (Meagan) Kelsey; and Eric Godden. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Alice and Liam Quackenbush and Evalyn (Evie) Kelly. His siblings, Grace, Margaret, Betty, Ted, Thelma, and Paul, predeceased him.

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