In Loving Memory of Raymond “BJ” Kelch
Raymond “BJ” Kelch, 73, of Ripon passed away Feb. 8, 2017 at Manor Care in Fond du Lac, WI.
He was born July 5, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio, a son of Raymond A “Buzz” and Shirley (Smith) Kelch. BJ graduated from Oakwood Ohio High school in 1962. On June 17, 1967 he married Kay (Techtman) Kelch. Raymond worked at different jobs during his lifetime. He was a draftsman for Kiekhaefer Marine (now Mercury) in Oshkosh. Eventually his talents as a sales and promotions man found a home in Schaumberg, Illinois with the Columbia Record Company (now Sony Records). Throughout his life, Raymond enjoyed many hobbies. Free flight model airplanes, radio controlled cars, fishing, benchrest shooting and model railroading are just a few. He was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ripon, and a member of several hobby organizations over the years.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay Kelch; his sons Jason of Santa Rosa, CA, and Bradley of Eden Prairie, MN; grandson Caleb Kelch of San Francisco, CA; step-grandson Killian Forth of Oakland, CA. He is further survived by 2 brothers Robert “Tim” (Lisa) Kelch of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, and Stephen (Lori) Kelch of Spring Valley, OH; 1 sister, Laura (William) Winterhalter of Biltmore Lakes, NC; brothers-in-law Jerome (Annette) Techtman and James Techtman, sister-in-law Beth (James) Vreim, as well as many nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Josephine Kelch; maternal grandparents, Carlton and Jeanette (Hawes) Smith; brother, Carlton Kelch and brother-in-law, Carl Techtman.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. A memorial is being established in Raymond’s name at BMO Harris Bank, 333 Blackburn Street, Ripon, WI, 54971.
Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send online condolences.