Joseph Kelsch Sr. - Always on Board
The universe of people who love trains is about as wide and deep as the nation is. They are as nice as human beings get, and in some way, these devotees find inherent adventure and dreams of travel and a mechanical beauty underneath their favorite rail line’s rugged and sturdy frame. When Joseph Kelsch was a boy, he adored trains. Today, he still does, taking his grandchildren on unforgettable long-distance adventures across the land.
Joe was born in pre-World War II America at Garfield Park Hospital on the west side of Chicago. He grew up in Saint Mel’s Parish near Cicero and Washington Boulevards. Joe’s parents trusted him to ride his bicycle to the city and even go the 25-plus miles by bike to the Museum of Science and Industry.
“City kids had a sense of adventure in the summer,” Joe said. Joe’s dad was very involved in the Boy Scouts. Large pack meetings would provide the chance for the boys to make huge tracks together with their Lionel train sets. “Growing up in the city, our parents encouraged us to go out and explore places. I’d walk to the “L” train and with a nickel, would ride downtown,” Joe said. There he’d visit the trains and showrooms of the Merchandise Mart.
Joe’s dad was from central Illinois and many summers were spent there. The town of Effingham was a busy place as numerous intersecting railroad lines created a hub of activity. The city was called the Heart of Mid-America for all of its crisscrossing railroads. “When I was a boy, there were steam trains and I liked to listen to the whistles all night long,” Joe said. I took pictures with my Brownie camera and would go review the local timetables. I wanted to get on board and so I’d show up at the gates, and as a clean-cut young kid – and they’d let me through. I’d ride from the station to the coach yard and back again – over and over,” he said. It was the Golden Age of Passenger Trains and an impressionable time in a young boy’s life.
Chicago was segregated in the early 1950s. Even so, Joe watched his father reach out to hundreds of boys of all ethnicities through the Boy Scouts. Though never a Scout himself, Joe’s father was heavily involved with leadership roles in the program. “It wasn’t uncommon to see a Black, Jewish or Asian person at our home, even though the city and our neighborhood were segregated. While neighbors spoke poorly of our visitors, we thought it was a wonderful cultural experience,” Joe said.
After the war, there were many children whose fathers never came home, or returned severely injured. Joe saw how his father stepped in for fatherless children. It was then that Joe learned the importance of a positive adult relationship for a child, even though at times, he was frustrated at how many other children were competing for his own father’s time. By his account, Joe says his father was an ordinary man. Yet by his example, Joe learned an extraordinary way of life from his dad’s unassuming, but remarkably generous heart.
Since his childhood, Joe’s life has stayed on a forward-moving track. He met his wife of 49 years, Doris, while in high school, and they have been a couple ever since. Joe attended Northern Illinois University when during the week of graduation, the couple’s eldest son was born. Joe continued to graduate school and over time, the family grew to three sons and found their way to Barrington, having spent 40 years here. Doris shares a belief and common philosophy with her husband – that community service is a way of life, and she, too, has given tirelessly to those around her.
Joe’s professional biography is a deeply layered story of accomplishments in education, advertising, and industry associations, with recognized expertise in strategic marketing and management. Joe was the president of the American Dairy Association and a senior executive for the United Dairy Industry Association. Until his retirement in 2009, Joe served for 13 years as the director of business and development for St. Anne Catholic Community, where he oversaw the largest parish church and school construction project in the history of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Even with an accomplished record of professional achievement, Joe’s volunteer service to his community is legendary. Years of community leadership and service to the greater Barrington area have left little untouched by his dedication and skill. His commitment, valuable initiatives and vision have improved our quality of life. Joe took interest in the school district and all it encompasses when his children were students. A persistent three-time run to be voted to the district’s school board finally paid off. He served on the school board for 12 years, six of which he was president. Since then, it’s been a persistent schedule of duties with organizations including the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership, Compassion Cottages, Samaritan Counseling Center, Barrington Noon Rotary, and the Barrington Area Development Council (BADC). For his work, Joe has received BADC’s “Distinguished Citizen Award” and was named this year to the Barrington area’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Train travel conjures a sense of great adventures, of long distances and the days of westward expansion. “I imagined riding trains to places that would fulfill my dreams of traveling across the country,” Joe said. He talks of those great adventures fondly. We’re so glad that Joe’s itinerary had him stop here in Barrington for a good, long time to show us what’s possible along the way.
HERE ARE SOME WORDS THAT OTHERS SHARED ABOUT JOSEPH KELSCH
Thomas Balsamo
I serve with Joe as a director of Barrington Area Development Council.
Joe is always eager to roll up his sleeves and dig in to the project to make a positive difference. He freely shares his wisdom, experience and time to help nonprofit organizations in our community grow and flourish. I consider myself fortunate to serve with Joe. He is a friend and mentor.
Carol Beese
When I think of Joe Kelsch, I think of community involvement and caring. Joe doesn’t stand on the sidelines;he works to make a difference. Most recently we shared a shift volunteering at the 4th of July Brat Tent. We talked about the changes we’ve seen in our community. Education is a primary concern and Joe has served on the school board, and been a leader for positive change. He continues to hold leadership roles in his church and in the Rotary Club of Barrington. He worked to raise funds for Katrina relief, and the list goes on. May every community be so blessed to have a Joe Kelsch as a citizen!
Dan Donoghue
My relationship with Joe Kelsch principally derives from our work together at St. Anne Catholic Church. As the director of finance and operations, Joe worked closely with the church’s finance committee, of which I was a member from 2002 to 2009 and its chairperson since 2004. I am very pleased to see Joe honored in this way.
Dale Griffith
During my long tenure as a teacher and department chair in the English Department at Barrington High School, Joe Kelsch was one of the school board presidents I admired most. As does any candidate for the school board, Joe campaigned on the issues as he understood them as an outsider. But once he was on the board and, most importantly, when he became board president, he defined the issues as he came to understand them as an insider. Joe was an honest learner. Once informed, he was courageous in taking stands that he may have initially disagreed with. Those of us in the trenches trusted his leadership, and even where there may have been disagreement, there was deep mutual respect.
Rev. Jeanne Hanson
I first met Joe Kelsch when he was a member of the Barrington 220 School Board about 20 years ago. It was immediately apparent that Joe spoke with conviction and confidence. Since then, I’ve come to recognize those qualities as part of the passion that Joe brings to everything he does. Whenever he gets involved, he rolls up his sleeves, digs in and makes it better. He certainly made a difference in the school district over his many years of service, and was one of the people who inspired me to take my turn on the board. He continues to be a voice of caring and accountability for the schools, even though his children are long gone from its halls.
Joe’s a natural leader and has risen to the level of president in many of the organizations he has served. His leadership shines brightest when the conversation turns to “what is possible.” He and I serve together on the Barrington Area Ministerial Association and on the board of the Samaritan Counseling Center. In both organizations Joe is the guy who moves us into “blue sky” mode; think big – act boldly – trust God implicitly. He is a visionary and believes that all things are possible if your motive is right and your mission is clear.
Another thing that makes Joe so special is that he’s particularly drawn to work with groups that respond to needs of the young, the old, the vulnerable and those without a voice. He’s had his share of tough times, and has shouldered his crosses with courage and grace. Joe has given so much to this community, and it’s been wonderful to work with him on educational, ecumenical and community issues. I’m thrilled that he has been recognized as someone who is quintessentially Barrington.
Fran Houlihan
I have known Joe for about 12 years. He is both a personal friend and a business associate with whom I have worked with on the capital campaign for St. Anne Church. Since that time, Joe and I have been involved in various social gatherings and have become good friends. We have also campaigned on Good Shepherd events. I totally agree that Joe represents the “best of the best” and truly is an example of what can be accomplished when people, such as Joe, are involved. This is truly an honor that is well-deserved.
Rev. Zina Jacque
Joe and I serve together on the Barrington Ministerial Association. He is an active member and treasurer of the organization and I share the Co-President role with Rev. Jeanne Hanson. His work with the Barrington Area Development Council is among his proudest accomplishments. Joe has had a hand in starting and or supporting area initiatives such as the Barrington Area Bikeways, Flint Creek Watershed Partnership, Compassion Cottages (a program focused on helping the Pass Christian Area of Mississippi rebuild post Katrina), the Samaritan Counseling Center, the United Way, Rotarians and more. As a long term member of the Ministerial Association, Joe stood firm in the lean years of the organization. Now, just a few years later, with his guidance and help, BAMA has returned to an active organization, focused on the greater good of Barrington. Without Joe, it is likely this would not have been the case. Joe is a man of principles, dedication, hard work, humor, a team spirit, humility and chutzpah. Joe is not afraid to tackle tough systemic topics; neither will he step away from the opportunity to walk with an individual who has had a difficult day or life. He is a man of integrity and hope. His word is his bond, and his ethics revolve around what is good for the whole. There is no finer human being in Barrington and no one I am more delighted to know and call friend.
Caroline Kelsch, age 10
My Grandpa is special to me because he is very involved in my life. He is always going to my soccer games and he even likes to buy me clothes. I think that is because he never had a daughter, and I am his only granddaughter. Grandpa likes to travel and he and my Grandma take my brother and me on awesome trips. I am lucky that he lives so close by because my other grandparents live in Ohio. My brother and I are a little spoiled because we are my Grandpa’s only grandkids.
Matt Kelsch, age 12
I am lucky that my Grandpa lives so close by and I can see him a lot. He is a great grandpa. He loves trains and he and my grandma have taken my sister and me on awesome train trips the past three spring breaks. We traveled to New York one year, to California another year and to Washington, D.C. this year. We get sleeping cars on the trains and cruise across the country. It is a cool way to travel.Grandpa always has the trips planned out and we see all of the sights when we get to our destination. I am lucky that he likes to do this with us. He always buys us cool souvenirs in each location so that we can remember our trips.
Grandpa likes to spend time with me just hanging out. He calls up and asks me to lunch and then takes me to the gadget store to load up on gadgets. I love gadgets! He will come to watch my swim meets and takes a big interest in my life.
Catherine Lee
Joe Kelsch and I served on the Barrington District 220 Board of Education together for several years. We were colleagues who became friends. He is an individual who listens to the issue, questions for clarity and deeper understanding and then beautifully synthesizes and articulates well the cause and possible ideas for resolution. If I or any other board member disagreed with Joe’s point of view, he would still listen, defend his position, yet be open to hear more. He didn’t confuse a difference of opinion with the integrity of each person. His respect for others remained constant and extended to the entire community in which he worked. His extensive community involvement has positively influenced our daily quality of life.
Joe is the person every neighborhood needs. His focus is consistently on the betterment of his communities, and his focus remains on the issue, not the personality. His efforts extend from growth to bike paths, from education to inter-religion. He is never too busy to give a little more of his thinking, his time and his doing. He doesn’t just ‘say it’, he ‘does it’. His principles guide his actions and he has the courage to voice a less-favored position when the situation calls for it. Joe has been there for me through controversy, when others were fearful of giving me support; he is a true friend.
George McAndrews
I have known Joe Kelsch for more than 30 years from St. Anne Parish through various social events, parish and community projects, through his service on the Barrington 220 School Board and through regular tennis with him throughout most of that time. He is a dedicated member of the Barrington community. I have often wondered how a community, and its various parts, could survive without active, industrious and dedicated participants like Joe.
Several years ago, he literally broke his back through a disastrous fall in his home. He looked like a proverbial “Michelin Man” with his protective shell as he went on with life and played tennis with our legendary foursome through terrible pain. He would always try to smile. He is a consummate idea man and fundraiser for community projects but what I have admired most about him is his kindness. I’m proud to have known this very kind man and his family.
Steve Mountsier
I first met Joe Kelsch when we both were running for the Barrington District 220 School Board. I was impressed from our first meetings. Joe is articulate and organized. He contributed many years to the school board, a number of them as president, and his involvement is reflected in a stable and effective school system that is financially sound.
Joe has continued to give back to his community through leadership of BADC and his passion for expanding bike trails in the Barrington area. He is devoted to his family and friends and to his church. I am proud to call him my friend!
David Nelson
Joe Kelsch has given his heart and soul to his community. He has made a huge difference in so many circles – St. Anne Church, Barrington District 220, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington Area Development Council, Barrington Area Ministerial Association, and Samaritan Counseling Center. He is the consummate volunteer and someone who lives by example. It is fitting that he is being honored in the anniversary issue!
Beth Raseman
I got to know Joe when we were working on the St. Anne expansion in the late 90s and early 2000s. On every aspect Joe was involved in; from operations, to building development and construction, he was a steadfast and tire less advocate for the parish.
After the initial visioning sessions with the parishioners were completed, and the architects came forward with their project proposals, Joe was the point person who worked with the architects, engineers, general contractor, archdiocese, village staff and commissions to bring the plans from concept to reality. No matter what he encounters, Joe is a man who solves problems, overcomes obstacles, and works tirelessly to get the project done. He gave his heart and soul to help create a new home for the parish and the school.
Norval Stephens
I cannot remember when I first met Joe. It may have been at a Barrington Area Development Council meeting, when Joe presented plans for a bikeway. I had probably also met him when he was president of the school board. At any time when I had contact with him, he had some project underway: Flint Creek Watershed, Compassionate Cottages, St. Anne Parish, whose plans to expand he quarterbacked and whose financial challenges he tackled at the close of the building project and more. The impressive list of his contributions to the community demonstrates his deep and abiding concern for the community and his willingness to take on tasks large (the school board presidency) and small (currently working on new members for Rotary and a fall fundraiser for the Samaritan Center) whenever asked. Few in the community have kept an almost gyroscopic eye on where his help might stabilize or balance a need. When some innate sense told him he was the right person to take on a request for help, he just did it. Often, there was no recognition of his work or the contribution he was making. He also has the unusual awareness that something he worked on years ago might need a new look or a new focus. He would ask the right questions. But, do not ask about his curiosity on how a remodeling project was going in his home. Being told that the project was just suspended and to stay clear, he nonetheless had to investigate. He did and fell through the ceiling and landed on his back in the bathtub below. He spent months in rehab.
Audrey Taylor
I am the Director of Religious Education and Junior High Youth Minister at St. Anne’s Church in Barrington. Joe first touched my heart when I watched him reach out to a young person who needed someone to believe in them – someone who would forget their past and give them a second chance. I was filled with admiration for Joe as he took this risk with prayer, hope, and commitment. And he did this quietly with no anticipation of accolades. I didn’t realize that Joe did this often. As the months went by, and I served on staff with him, my admiration only grew stronger. I came to love his heart for the underdog and the way he just got quietly involved. It is wonderful that he should now be acknowledged and honored.
Joe has an incredible commitment to the people of Barrington. And he has a gift for connecting people in the community. He networks as naturally as breathing. And the results are often amazing. Joe carries the needs of the poor and underprivileged deep in his being. He uses all his resources and commits to making the world a better place for everyone. Joe has a gift for listening as a group of people tackle an issue or program. He quietly takes notes, seeks to understand well, and then pops out a well-designed question which sheds light on the whole discussion. He has a talent to synthesize. While so much in the world spreads negative and destructive energy, Joe is the opposite. Joe builds the world up. As a husband and father of three boys, he builds family. He builds collaboration. Joe builds a better world just by being in it. Joe Kelsch leaves footprints on the heart of the Barrington community.
Rev. Mary Tudela
I met Joe on the Barrington Area Ministerial Association where as a lay leader he was the representative for St. Anne Church and I was a member of the clergy representing St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. More recently, I have had the pleasure to work with him as one of Samaritan’s members of the board of directors. Joe is our cherished “whirling dervish” – always moving, full of enthusiasm for life, continually contributing in a skilled, powerful and positive way for the many organizations he works for in our community. His creativity, when it comes to fundraising, is unmatched. We are lucky to have him and his graceful wife Doris as part of our community. My life has been blessed by his friendship!
Publisher’s Note:Quintessential PeopleTM is a heartfelt collaboration between our publication and portrait artist Thomas Balsamo. Our goal is to share with you exceptional images and words that ring true about some of the finest, most inspiring people in the community. For more information about Quintessential PeopleTM, contact QB at editor@qbarrington.com or Thomas Balsamo (Portraits by Thomas) at 847-381-7710 or www.portraitsbythomas.com.