Ronald Willis Kelm

Ronald Willis Kelm was born on August 8, 1934 to Louis and Lucille (Meseck) Kelm on the family farm near Charter Oak, Iowa. He was baptized and later confirmed his faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. He attended a country school, the Lutheran school and graduated from Charter Oak High School with the class of 1952. He then started farming with his dad and driving the school bus.

Ron was united in marriage to Shirley Borchmann on August 13, 1955 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township. The couple made their home on Shirley's family farm near Ricketts for over 29 years and four sons were born to this union: Barry, Brian, Brent and Brandon. The couple later moved to Ron's family farm near Charter Oak. Ron farmed for over 35 years and worked as a mail carrier for 15 years until he retired.

Ron bowled in men's league and also a couple's league with Shirley. He spent a lot of time fishing and golfing in the summer months. His grandchildren will cherish their special memories of eating ice cream with him.

Ron passed away peacefully on June 19, 2022 at the Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa at the age of 87 years, 10 months and 11 days.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; son, Barry Kelm; grandson, Jared Kelm; and two great-granddaughters, Alli Samantha Kelm and Mercy Hope Kelm; and infant brother. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Kelm of Charter Oak, three sons: Brent Kelm and his wife, Sue of Ute; Brandon Kelm of Charter Oak; and Brian Kelm and his wife, Julie of Tyler, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren: and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022, with the funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m. also on Thursday, June 23, 2022 all at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Interment will be held in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family.