LeRoy Kelm

LeRoy “Roy” Kelm, 91, of St. Joseph, passed away, Monday, January 18, 2021 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Private Family Services were held due to the current health situation, with Rev. Joshua Bishop officiating. Burial followed at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Memorial donations in LeRoy’s name may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign LeRoy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. LeRoy was born January 26, 1929 in Benton Harbor to Leopold & Alvina (Wagner) Kelm. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1947. On September 5, 1948, he married the former Marion Hookey in Benton Harbor. She was the love of his life, and he was hers, celebrating nearly seventy-two years together. Having met at Central Docks Skating Rink, they enjoyed many years of roller skating and square dancing. LeRoy retired in 1992 after forty years with Ideal Plumbing in Benton Harbor. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph & the Plumber/Pipefitters Union, Local #357 in Kalamazoo. In his free time, LeRoy enjoyed woodworking, fishing and tending to his vegetable garden. LeRoy is survived by his children-Kevin (MaryAnn) Kelm of Stevensville, Tim (Ginger) Kelm of Stevensville, Kristine (Kevin Conklin) Streit of Benton Harbor; six grandchildren-Elizabeth Kelm, Paul (Heather) Kelm, Jason (Cari) Kelm, Amy Kelm, Jamie (Terry) Toth, Michael (Megan Young) Streit; eleven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews; and family friend Jeanne DeSenzio of St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his wife Marion on March 25, 2020, his parents, a brother Richard Kelm and a sister Connie Phillips.