The Prophetstown Echo – February 21, 2006

Vera M. Kelm

            Vera M. Kelm, age 75, of 26115 Star Road, Tampico, IL, died Friday, February 17, 2006 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL.

            Vera was born on January 14, 1931 in Sterling, IL, the daughter of Frank E. and Anna C. (Fulfs) Stern.  She was educated in Sterling Schools and was employed at Frantz Manufacturing in Sterling, Illinois, for 29 years, retiring in July of 1996.  She was a member of the Hume Extension Unit, Tampico Women’s Club, and the Community Club of Tampico where she served as secretary.  She was baptized and confirmed at the West Jordan Lutheran Church in Sterling, Illinois and was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Prophetstown.  She enjoyed sewing, baking for her family and spending time in her garden.  She was loved by her family and will be deeply missed.

            She is survived by two sons, Gordon Kelm of Tampico, Illinois, Gary (Susan) Kelm of Mineral Point, WI; three grandchildren, Emily, Katie, and David Kelm of Mineral Point, WI; two brothers, Donald (Ruth) Stern of Sterling, Illinois, Kenneth (Eva Fritz) Stern of Rock Falls, Illinois; two sisters-in-laws, Gladys Stern and Phyllis Stern both of Sterling, Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews.

            She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Harold and Lawrence.

            Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Prophetstown with the Rev. Greg Olson, pastor officiating.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico.  A memorial has been established in her memory to the First Lutheran Church of Prophetstown.