Marion Kelm, 90, of St. Joseph, passed away, Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.
Private Family Services will be held due to the current health situation, with Rev. Glenn Rosenbaum officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Memorial donations in Marion’s name may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph or The Daughter’s of the American Revolution-Algonquin Chapter. Those wishing to sign Marion’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Marion was born April 30, 1929 in Owensboro, Kentucky to Alvin & Rachel (Jackson) Hookey. The family moved to Benton Harbor and Marion graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1947. On September 5, 1948, she married LeRoy Kelm in Benton Harbor. He was the love of her life, and she was his, celebrating nearly seventy-two years together. Having met at Central Docks Skating Rink, they enjoyed many years of roller skating and square dancing. Marion worked in her early years at Saranac Machine Company, and then devoted her life to her husband and children. She served as a den mother when the boys were in Cub Scouts. Marion enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, baking, doing crossword & jig-saw puzzles, and spending time with her family and many friends. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, the Algonquin Chapter of the DAR, and volunteered for many years as an election worker for St. Joseph Charter Township.
Marion is survived by her husband LeRoy; her children-Kevin (MaryAnn) Kelm of Stevensville, Tim (Ginger) Kelm of Stevensville, Kristine (Kevin Conklin) Streit of Benton Harbor; six grandchildren-Elizabeth Kelm, Paul Kelm, Jason (Cari) Kelm, Amy Kelm, Jamie (Perry) Toth, Michael (Megan Young) Streit; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews; and best friend Jeanne DeSenzio of St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Henry Hookey.