Robert Jack Kelley, age 82, of Hayward, WI passed away at home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Jack was born on June 8, 1941, in Onida, South Dakota.

He Graduated from Harrold Public School on May 19, 1955. After graduating, he worked on a mink farm in Clark, SD to earn enough money so he could travel to Alaska. He received a letter that he had a job in Alaska at Alaska Guide & Outfitters, in Slana, AK so he headed to Alaska in January of 1957 and worked there until October 1957.

After his adventure in Alaska, he returned to South Dakota for a while and worked at Day’s Equipment where he assembled machinery. Jack then worked on cattle ranches and as a logger in the Black Hills of SD, before heading to Hayward, WI. Jack married Nancy Radloff and they lived most of their marriage in Cable, WI but also lived in Alaska during that time. When in Alaska, Jack worked as a logger and at a Diesel Mechanic Shop that repaired trucks that supplied products to building the Alaskan Pipeline. When Jack and Nancy returned to Cable, WI, he started working as a logger and started Jack Sales & Service. Jack was one of the loggers that helped make the American Birkebeiner Ski Trail in the late 1960’s. Jack changed the business name to Lumberjack Sales & Service. Jack and Nancy eventually divorced, and he met Eve Jevne, and they got married in November of 1994. After many years of operating the business, Jack sold his Husqvarna dealership and just did small engine repairs, sold parts and sharpened chainsaw chains up to the first of October 2023. In Jack’s later years he loved traveling to Alaska and would take that trip twice a year. He also enjoyed traveling to Arizona in the winter and looking for rocks for his collection. Jack was a member of the Fishing Hall of Fame for 30 years.

Jack is survived by his children; Merlena (Doug) Wegener, Randy (Allan) Rivenes-Brennan; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his special friend, Sharon Tyrolt.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Eve Kelley; parents, Ronald & Ruth Rivenes; children, Merlena (John) Scott, Juanita VanDenHook; siblings, Bonnie Winkler, Peggy LeFave, Ginger Wager, Kay Mikkelson, Ron Rivenes and Tom Rivenes.

A visitation for Jack will be held at First Lutheran Church in Hayward on December 9, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11am with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating.

Memorials may be designated to Hayward Reginal Hospice Services, 15910 W Company Lake Road, Suite 3, Hayward, WI 54843.

Last Update: Dec 06, 2023 1:16 pm CST