Gloria Faith Kelm, 88, of Markesan, Wis., went to heaven on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.  She was a kind, loving spouse to Robert, and a devoted mom and grandmother.

Visitation for Gloria will take place on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church , W3377 Main St., Manchester, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Michael Plagenz officiating. Burial will take place at Manchester Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial back at church.

Gloria was born on October 21, 1935, in Rosendale.  She worked at Speed Queen, the adoption agency for Lutheran Social Services, and Ripon College prior to meeting Robert in 1951 while roller-skating in Fairwater.  The two "tied the knot" on December 29, 1956.  Her new home would be the Kelm Family Farm, and she began signing her cards to her new husband as "your ever-lovin' wife."

She was an animal-lover who also took immense pride in her huge garden and flowers, so the farm was her perfect home for 65 years.  She nursed young ones back to health and some of the lucky ones (cats) got to move into the house.  She became an expert in canning, quickly winning over Bob with homemade juices – especially tomato and grape.  Her jars of strawberry and grape jam would often disappear in a single day.

Her number one priority was making sure her family had three home-cooked meals each day.  She had a talent for cooking and shared that with others.  As a 4-H leader, she taught kids how to bake and participate in the county fair.  As a cake decorator, she made numerous wedding and anniversary cakes and everyone in the family got a personalized decorated cake on their birthday, confirmation, or Father's Day.  She loved barbershop music and will always be remembered by the Barbershop community for her hospitality, chicken dinners, brunches, and apple strudel.  She even took homemade pies to others when she and Robert traveled.

Her tradition of teaching and caring naturally progressed to her grandchildren.  Sitting on the floor to play, patience while teaching them how to bake, letting them lick the spoon, helping them plunk out notes on the piano, and her hugs and smiles will be long remembered.

She also sang in the church choir, participated in Ladies Aide, volunteered at the voting booths, and had fun with her card club for 60+ years.  As she loved to stay busy, she also worked at Ted's Bakery, Fall River Canning Company, DelMonte Canning Company, the Markesan School District, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Robert, children Lita Kelm-Scharschmidt (Tery); Randy Kelm, Valerie Wood, and Ronald Kelm (Susan); sister Rosalie Jess; brother Lynn Rasske (Julia Lambert); and grandchildren Joseph Kelm (Jacinda), Angela Kelm, Samuel Wood, Siayra Kelm, Dawson Kelm, and Andrew Scharschmidt and great-granddaughter Madison Buss.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Erna Rasske, sister Naomi Kelm, brother Norman Rasske, grandson Solomon Kelm, father-in-law Frank Kelm and mother-in-law Doris Kelm, and son-in-law Gregory Wood.

The family expresses heart-felt appreciation to the staff of the Markesan Resident Home, the Barrett House in Markesan and SSM Hospice Services for their incredible care of Gloria.

Memorial donations made to the family will be redirected to the Alzheimer's Association for ongoing research.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.