Vernon "Kelly" Bisterfeldt

Vernon “Kelly” Bisterfeldt was born on July 9, 1958, in Munich Germany to parents Vernon and Shirley Bisterfeldt while they were stationed there for the paratrooper division of the army. The young family returned to the States when Kelly was two years old. Once back, they joined Shirley’s family on a small farm in Meridian, Idaho. Kelly enjoyed the various animals and adventures the farm offered. He was later joined by two sisters Tracy and Vikki. In 1976 he welcomed his first daughter, Mikel, and then his second daughter Amber in 1982.

As a young man he had an obsession with cars and how they worked. It was rumored that he had owned 13 vehicles in one year. He got his first job as a mechanic at a small service station, later working his way to a Chevrolet dealership. In the mid-eighties he became a Harley Davidson owner. His love for motorcycles followed him throughout his life. He spent many years as a very talented technician, eventually moving into management and was highly respected by his coworkers. Wanting to combine his love of motorcycles and his expertise in the automotive field, he took a management position at a local Harley dealer. When his aging parents needed help running their household, he retired early and joined them on their property.

Fondly known by his family nicknames “Toady, Kel, or KB,” Kelly was meticulous in everything he did. He had a keen eye for detail and had a place for every item. His shop was his personal haven and he spent hours fine-tuning it to be perfect. He spent hours hand painting the interior, including every hinge, nut, and bolt. His much-loved shop was a beautiful combination of red, white, and blue, showing his patriotic side.

Everyone who knew Kelly saw his deep devotion and love for his little dogs, starting with a tiny black Pomeranian aptly named Harley. He absolutely doted on that puppy. Then came a Pom named Dietz, in memory of Kelly’s paternal grandfather Frank Dietz. Harley and Dietz spent many happy years together under Kelly’s care. 

An unfortunate stroke in 2021 left him partially paralyzed and struggling to regain his independence. Due to complications with pneumonia, he went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 19, 2025. He was 66 years old. Kelly was preceded in death by his sister Vikki and his father Vernon. He is survived by his mother Shirley, his sister Tracy and her husband Rik, daughters Mikel and Amber, his two grandchildren Isaac and Jadelynn, and his aunt Bev. 

Kelly will be greatly missed by all who knew him, whether they were a friend, coworker, a family member, or a cute little dog that loved to be carried around. 

Ride fast and swift in the sunshine of the heavens “Toady!”