John Richard Kell passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at his home in Dunnellon, Florida.  He is survived by his loving wife Sherry; his adoring children Mary (Rich) Kramer of Shawano, WI, Gail (Matt) Kell-Linder of Wausau, WI, Timothy (Kristen) of Milwaukee, WI, Paul of Sturgeon Bay, WI, and stepson Ryan (Jesse) Schulfer of Plover, WI; 12 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his sister Tamra Miller of Troy, OH, and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clarice Kell of Olin, IA; and William "Bill" Kell, of Monticello, IA.

John graduated in 1966 from Olin Consolidated School in Olin, Iowa. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served as a radio operator for his platoon while serving in Vietnam.  While patrolling the jungles in Pleiku, Vietnam, he was wounded in combat.  For his service, he was honored with a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Vietnam Service Medal.  John was medically retired from the Army in 1970.

After returning home, John continued his education at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville and graduated in 1972 with a degree in hospital administration.  He worked as a controller for a number of hospitals in several states.  Later on, he started his own company for payroll processing.

John had a knack for the mechanical, electrical, and home renovations.  He was inquisitive and would research a project to be able to do it himself.  Many family members and friends were the beneficiaries of his generosity in repairing anything broken and renovating any room of the house that needed a touch up.

John was a staunch Patriot with a deep love and appreciation of his country.  In seeking healing from the scars left by his tour in Vietnam, he sought out former Service members he served with in combat.  John traveled many miles to meet with them and their families.  In one case, he brought much needed closure to a family who had lost their son in the war.

After retiring, having learned to navigate the Veterans Administration (VA) system through trial and error, John eagerly assisted other veterans in successfully claiming their much deserved VA benefits.  He also facilitated informational briefings for veterans, spouses, and widows.  He worked tirelessly to help others in ways big and small, without ever asking for reimbursement.

John enjoyed bringing a smile to those around him.  He fiercely loved his wife and family.