We have some sad news to report. George E. Kelbly Sr. died at the age of 87. He was the founder of Kelbly’s and creator of Super Shoot. George died May 14, 2024 in his North Lawrence, Ohio, home, surrounded by his family.
George Kelbly was born on October 21, 1936, in Marshallville, Ohio to John and Emma (Butzer) Kelbly. He graduated from Smithville High School, Ohio in 1954. He married his love of life Karen Elizabeth Bodager, who survives him, in 1957.
George was a 25 year Union Bricklayer. He was also a custom homebuilder, and the Wayne County HBA president. In 1969, he founded Kelbly’s Rifle Range, which hosted regional benchrest tournaments, national and international, including the Firearms Industry Super Shoot, for 50 years. The Kelbly’s Super Shoot is widely regarded as the most prestigious match in the history of benchrest matches. In 1981, George and Ralph Stolle founded Kelbly’s Inc. a firearms manufacturer that his three sons run today. George was very proud of the accomplishments he and his family had made in the firearms business.
George was a lifelong member of the Orrville Ohio Masonic Lodge No. 430 and a lifetime member of NRA. Lifetime member, Regional Director and National President of the National Benchrest Shooters Association. He was inducted into NBRSA Eastern Region Hall of Fame. He was a Regional and National Champion in Benchrest Group Shooting. He and Karen competed in the USA and abroad.
In addition to his wife Karen, his surviving family includes his daughter Marilyn (Mark), sons George Jr. Kelbly and James Kelbly and Mike Kelbly. He also has six grandchildren, Ian Kelbly and Ryan Kelbly. Eddie Battig and Nathan Kelbly are also surviving, as well as two great-grandchildren, Gunner Kelbly and Kennedy Jones. George Sr. died before his parents, his sister Marilyn Wyckoff and his brother John Kelbly Jr.
A memorial service will take place at the Auble Funeral Home, Orrville, OH, on Friday, May 17, 2020 (10:30 am viewing and 11:00 am service). Graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Marshallville, OH. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to Elara Caring hospice, 1530 West Market St., Akron OH 44313.
