Alvin Kelm
September 16th, 1931 - May 10th, 2023
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Alvin's Obituary
Alvin William Kelm, 91, of St. Joseph, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 11:30 AM, at 1st Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph with Pastor John Oldham officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Billy Graham Association, https://billygraham.org/, or The Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Alvin was born on September 16, 1931, in Benton Harbor, to Frederick & Matilda (Zotsman) Kelm. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949. In 1951, Alvin proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until he was honorably discharged in 1955. On July 6, 1957, Alvin married the love of his life, Irene Woerl, at First Church of God in St. Joseph. Following his return from the military, Alvin began working as a chef at the former Whitcomb Hotel. He would later serve as restaurant manager at Holly’s Landing in South Haven and Ann Arbor, and would eventually make his way back to the Twin Cities to manage the Flagship Restaurant & Holiday Inn for another 10-12 years. Alvin then opened his own business, the St. Joe Fisheries, which specialized in fresh seafood and fried fish lunches. He retired 10 years later in 1994. Alvin loved fishing, picking fresh Michigan fruit, and cooking. However, what he loved the most was spending time with his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as Opa.
Alvin is survived by his loving wife of nearly 66 years, Irene; children, Susanne Kay (Tim) Conrad of Fennville MI, Gregory (Pamela) Kelm of Keller, TX, Mark (Sarah) Kelm of Fresno, CA, David (Kirsten Perkins) Kelm of Tampa, FL, and Dan Kelm of Benton Harbor; grandchildren, Kirsten (Spencer) Shelton, Micah (Dasha) Conrad, Delana (R.C) Martinez, Julia Kelm, Mia Kelm, Evan & Simon Kelm; great-grandchildren, August, Arya, Axel, Alora Shelton, and Layla Martinez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick & Mathilda; and siblings, Esther Piehl, Don Kelm, Elmer Kelm.
Alvin was born on September 16, 1931, in Benton Harbor, to Frederick & Matilda (Zotsman) Kelm. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949. In 1951, Alvin proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until he was honorably discharged in 1955. On July 6, 1957, Alvin married the love of his life, Irene Woerl, at First Church of God in St. Joseph. Following his return from the military, Alvin began working as a chef at the former Whitcomb Hotel. He would later serve as restaurant manager at Holly’s Landing in South Haven and Ann Arbor, and would eventually make his way back to the Twin Cities to manage the Flagship Restaurant & Holiday Inn for another 10-12 years. Alvin then opened his own business, the St. Joe Fisheries, which specialized in fresh seafood and fried fish lunches. He retired 10 years later in 1994. Alvin loved fishing, picking fresh Michigan fruit, and cooking. However, what he loved the most was spending time with his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as Opa.
Alvin is survived by his loving wife of nearly 66 years, Irene; children, Susanne Kay (Tim) Conrad of Fennville MI, Gregory (Pamela) Kelm of Keller, TX, Mark (Sarah) Kelm of Fresno, CA, David (Kirsten Perkins) Kelm of Tampa, FL, and Dan Kelm of Benton Harbor; grandchildren, Kirsten (Spencer) Shelton, Micah (Dasha) Conrad, Delana (R.C) Martinez, Julia Kelm, Mia Kelm, Evan & Simon Kelm; great-grandchildren, August, Arya, Axel, Alora Shelton, and Layla Martinez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick & Mathilda; and siblings, Esther Piehl, Don Kelm, Elmer Kelm.
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