Kelly Harold Strate, 66, of Leipsic, Ohio passed away from cancer at 7:35 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2024, at The Meadows of Leipsic.

Kelly was born May 17, 1957, in Gouverneur, New York to Leonard and Lucille (Denesha) Strate. He graduated from the Gouverneur Central School District, where he was an active FFA member. Kelly was employed by local farmers before he relocated to Ohio, and was employed by NAPA Auto Store in Napoleon, Ohio. Kelly also worked at The Meadows of Leipsic.

On May 24, 2008, Kelly married Rebecca Boyles and acquired five children from this marriage and eleven grandchildren of whom he loved as if they were his own.

Kelly is survived by his mother, Lucille (Denesha) Strate of Gouverneur; five siblings: Tom (Brenda) Strate of New Hampshire, Jerry Strate of Gouverneur, Emmy (Don) Gagnon of Rome, NY, Rick (Linda) Strate of Gouverneur, and Peggy (Brian) Beidler of Pottstown, PA; five children David (Susann), Jon (Kelsey), Jamie (Ryan), Trisha (Chris), and Robbie; eleven grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Timber. He is predeceased by his father, Leonard Strate.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 19, 2024 at The Meadows of Leipsic. A private funeral was held in January. Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic. Condolences may be expressed online at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

Kelly courageously battled cancer of the appendix for 16 months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made payable to the “Gouverneur FFA Chapter” and mailed to the Gouverneur Central School District, c/o Gouverneur FFA, 133 E. Barney Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.