Bret Dwayne Kelch
November 17, 1965 ~ June 12, 2026
Born in:
Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Resided in:
Columbus, Indiana
Bret Dwayne Kelch, 60, of Columbus, IN, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2026.
Born on November 17, 1965, Bret worked at Impact Forge and NTN Driveshaft. Bret enjoyed basketball and loved playing tennis with his friends, Friday night dinners, and playing games and drinking wine on his back patio with friends and family.
Bret was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Kelch, his uncle, Terry Kelch, and his grandparents, Leslie L. Kelch and Martha E. Kelch. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Kelch, his father, Thomas “Tim” Kelch (Patti McColley ), and his stepdaughters, Jessica and Paige Prowant (Steven Cabezas).
Bret will be remembered for being a loyal friend and a most loved son. He was always willing to help his friends and colleagues with any endeavor. He is also fondly remembered as a jokester; his ability to provoke laughter was a gift to everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Columbus Parks and Recreation to support tennis facility improvements: cbusinparks.com/bretkelch.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, June 27, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at 3300 Crossing Lane, Columbus, IN 47201.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. You are invited to share a memory of Bret with the family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com
Services
Celebration of Life Service:
Saturday, June 27, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Room: 3300 Crossing Lane Columbus, IN 47201
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As an observant neighbor I can say there were some things Brett Kelch should have never been in charge of: key fobs, remotes, music playlists, and a nozzle to a hose! His music and laughter will be misssed in this neighborhood.
Bret was a great man and a blessing to be around. Well mannered and polite. I will miss our conversations about Hilton Head, Tennis and our work careers. My condolences to his family and those he brought joy to. You will be missed my friend.
Rest easy my friend.
Prayers for you & family.
Michelle, it’s been 4o years since we’ve spoke, I think of you often. I’m so very sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. He was too young. May you find comfort in your memories. Love always, Gina Lehman Peebles
Very special person who loved my sister with all his heart. He was more worried about her welfare than his own. Wonderful step dad and friend to Jessica and Paige. We lost a good one. Great to know he will be watching out for all of us in heaven. Impossible not to smile when in his company. Love you Brett
Brett was always there to help if needed. He was athletic and did the right things to be healthy. He was an absolute great guy to work with! I can still and always remember his quips when he came in the shop. May the good Lord give him comfort as I’m sure he will receive it.
I was privileged enough to have worked with Bret for the better part of the last 20 years. I’ll forever be grateful for the knowledge he shared in both work and life. Prayers to Michelle and all of the family, we lost a good one way too soon.
Chele and girls
Wow!! He certainly put up a good fight, which is very typical of him.
Words are difficult to say to help ease your grief. Know we are close if you need a shoulder or an ear..
We love you all and he was the best!!❤️❤️❤️🌈🌈
Mike and Pam