Robert Earl Kelm, 89, of Markesan, Wis., joined his wife Gloria and the heavenly choir on Monday, May 14, 2024.

Visitation for Robert will take place on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, W3377 Main St., Manchester, from 10:00 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 #1 Cemetery with military honors provided by the Abendroth-Connolly American Legion Post 282. All are welcome to attend the luncheon that will follow back at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Robert "Bob" was born on May 2, 1935, in Manchester. After being drafted into the United States Army in 1954, Bob served as a gunner in the 7th Infantry Division, Heavy Artillery Unit for two years where he was primarily stationed in Germany toward the end of the Korean conflict. Upon his return stateside, Bob resumed his courtship with Gloria – the sweetheart he met roller skating before deployment. The two tied the knot on December 29, 1956, sharing a marriage just shy of 67 years. Second to his love for Gloria, his children and grandchildren, Bob was deeply committed to the family farm and devoted to barbershop singing.

Bob and Gloria became the third generation of Kelm's to operate the dairy farm off of County Road I – continuing his family's tradition of raising a noteworthy herd of purebred Brown Swiss. Bob's eyes would light up when he talked about the farm and the cows. During his lifetime, he served on the Brown Swiss State Board, was president of the Canton 4 Brown Swiss Association for four years and was a dairy leader for the Grand River Workers 4-H Club.

With a life-long love of music, Bob became a barbershop singer in 1962. He sang in numerous choruses and quartets for over 50-years and was the director of the Ripon Harmony Kings for 20 years. As part of the barbershopping family, Bob and Gloria attended hundreds of shows and conventions across the Midwest and beyond, making life-long friends across the country along the way. He even made it a priority to attend two barbershop shows just weeks before he passed.

An active member of the community, Bob was a charter member of the Manchester Rod & Gun Club, served on the Markesan School Board for 12 years, was president of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and managed the Double D softball team.  He was a member of the Abendroth-Connolly American Legion Post 282 and notably the driving force behind the founding of the Manchester Activity Center. Still, he found time to do what he and Gloria loved whether it was an evening of dancing in Fairwater, joining friends in a monthly night of cards (a tradition that lasted over 60 years) or sneaking away for a quick trip to the casino.

One of Bob's greatest thrills and proudest moments came just weeks ago when he participated in Mission 66 of the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Bob was one of 94 veterans on the flight that included veterans serving from the World War II era through the Vietnam War. The trip allowed Bob to reflect upon his experiences during his service. His favorite parts of the journey were seeing the reflection of the Washington Monument shining over the water and, most of all, the patriotic "Welcome Home" all the veterans received from the cheering crowd when they arrived back at the Appleton airport.

Bob is survived by children Lita Kelm-Sharschmidt (Tery), Randy Kelm, Valerie Wood and Ronald Kelm (Susan); sister-in-law Rosalie Jess; brother-in-law Lynn Rasske (Julia Lambert); and grandchildren Joseph Kelm (Jacinda), Angela Kelm, Samuel Wood, Siayra Kelm, Dawson Kelm and Andrew Scharschmidt (Sara). He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria; his parents Frank and Doris Kelm; his mother and father-in-law William and Erna Rasske; sister-in-law Naomi Kelm; brother-in-law Norman Rasske; grandson Solomon Kelm; and son-in-law Gregory Wood.

The family expresses heart-felt appreciation to the staff of the Markesan Resident Home for their incredible care and friendship to both Bob and Gloria.

Memorial donations made to the family will be redirected to the Old Glory Honor Flight (https://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org) so that other veterans can have the same great opportunity that Bob did.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.