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In Memory of Roger Kelm

Visitation

4:00 - 7:00PM on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin, WI.

Funeral Services

No Formal Service

Roger William Kelm, age 76, of Hammond, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. Roger was born May 6, 1943 to parents William & Orella (Aamodt) Kelm in Emerald, WI. After graduating from Glenwood City High School, he went on to attend UW-Stout for a short time before moving onto his career as a research technician in the manufacturing industry. In his working years, he spent 24 years of employment with Gould Batteries, as well as some time with Medtronic out of the Twin Cities. On December 21, 1973, Roger married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Amundson, in Glenwood City at St. John the Baptist Church. Together they shared 45 years of wedded happiness & the joy of raising a son, Jeffrey.

Roger was a man of many passions. He had a great love of singing & playing the guitar, & collected many over his lifetime. The guests he would entertain on Friday nights could see his collection adorning his home. Roger was also known for his woodworking skills. He especially loved to craft tables in his spare time. Aside from being an artistically-minded man, Roger was furthermore a sportsman. He enjoyed golfing, & played on a softball league well into his 60’s, his most recent team being named the Fossils. Roger & Mary would often escape the Wisconsin winters by traveling to Arizona, where they were able to relax, & enjoy the summertime hobbies they loved together. Roger will forever be remembered for his free spirited & fun-loving nature & his trademark dry sense of humor.

Roger will remain in the hearts of his beloved wife, Mary; his adored son, Jeffrey (Beth) Kelm of Hammond; his precious granddaughter, Rylee; & his dear siblings, Dick (Georgia) Kelm of River Falls, WI, Gene (Ella) Kelm of Stillwater, MN, Bruce (Carol) Kelm of Glenwood City, WI, & Duane Holldorf. He is preceded in death by his cherished parents, William & Orella; & his treasured sister, Nancy Holldorf.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin, WI. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory in Baldwin.

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Roger's Tribute Wall

Tributes (4):

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    • Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your husband Roger. My heart goes out to you, Jeffrey and your entire family. I have fond memories of you telling stories about your family during volleyball practices at BW High School. You always made your practices and classes so much fun!
      May the lifetime of memories that you have with Roger bring you peace.
      My deepest sympathies,
      Caryn Albrightson Snodgrass

    • Mary & Family…My Deepest Sympathy on Roger’s passing,..a dear longtime church/confirmation friend and a treasured GCHS 1961 classmate who just beautifully played guitar & sang this “Love Remains”@ our last memorable 56th GCHS Class Reunion 9/8/2017…

      “We are born one fine day
      Children of God on our way
      Mamma smiles and daddy cries
      A miracle before their eyes
      They protect us till we’re of age
      Through it all, love remains
      A boy moves on take a bride
      And she stands faithful by his side
      Through tears and sweat
      They build a home
      And raise a family of their own
      And they share joy
      And they share pain
      But through it all, love remains
      Kingdoms come and go, but they don’t last
      Before you know the future is the past
      In spite of what’s been lost or what’s been gained
      We’re living proof that love remains
      I don’t know baby what I’d do on this earth without you
      We all live
      And we all die
      But the end is not goodbye
      The sun comes up
      And the seasons change
      And through it all, love remains
      An eternal burning flame
      Hope lives on, and love remains”
      Blessings of Beautiful Memories…Ginger Teigen Spinks

    • Dear Mary , I have a great big hole in my heart after learning of Roger’s passing. We grew up together in Emerald from age four or five and were pals for the rest of our school years. He was my “brother” and I shall hold dear all of our memories and experiences that we shared. May your memories keep you strong. God bless you and your family.
      Kathy Gerber Endersbee

    • Mary and Family
      I am sad to read that you have lost your dear Gene. He was a good person. He left you too soon. I’m sure you have many wonderful memories that will help you in the time ahead
      Nancy