Kelly John Keintz, 50, of Missoula, passed away on Thursday, April 28.
Kelly was born on November 15, 1971, in Madison, South Dakota, to John and Judy Keintz. The family moved to Helena, Montana, in 1974, where Kelly lived until he graduated from Capital High School.
He loved sports, particularly baseball, which he played all through his elementary and high school years.
Following high school, he attended the University of Montana and then joined the Montana National Guard. Upon completion of his military training, he moved to Missoula, where he became a Missoula County Deputy Sheriff, serving in that role for twelve years.
He then joined the family business, Fencecrafters Missoula, Inc., as a manager.
On September 13, 1997, he married Jamie Kosena and they have one son, Colton, born in 1999. They were proud of Colton’s achievements including a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana and being a starting offensive lineman for the Montana Grizzlies Football Team.
Kelly’s passion was watching his son play football and he never missed a single game. He also enjoyed working on and driving demolition derby cars and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys.
He spent many years as a baseball coach for his son’s youth baseball teams.
Survivors include his son, Colton, Missoula; his parents, John and Judy Keintz, Missoula; two brothers and their families, Karl (Jenn) Keintz, Missoula; and Johnny (Nicole) Keintz, Helena; along with four nieces and two nephews.