Robert G. KELLERMANN

MCNEAL, GALLOWAY, CORNING, AUSTIN, GARDNER, KELLERMANN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/9/2007 at 21:34:24

Robert G. Kellermann, age 87, a resident of Marion, Ohio since 1968, died on Sunday morning, May 6, 2007, at Marion General Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Hudson, Wis., in St. Croix County, on April 5, 1920, the son of the late George and Helen (Ewald) Kellermann. In February of 1942, Robert began serving his country by learning to pilot multi-engine amphibious patrol planes. After graduation from the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 17, 1943, he served in the Caribbean Sea (anti-sub patrol) and in the Central Pacific (patrol and air sea rescue). He was a patrol plane commander and Lt. USNR. Just after graduation from NAS, on March 23, 1943, Robert married his loving wife of over 63 years, Gwendolyn V. Jones Kellermann, and she resides at home in Marion. In 1948, Robert graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stout-Menomonie, where he received his bachelor's degree of science in education. He taught school in Barron, Wis., until 1951, when he went to work for General Mills (GM) in Minneapolis, Minn. In 1956, he was transferred to the GM soybean plant in Belmond, Iowa. After Central Soya purchased the Belmond Plant in 1965, Robert worked for Central Soya in Belmond, Gibson City and Chicago, Ill., and Bellevue, Ohio. In 1968, he was transferred to Marion and served as the plant manager for 10 years. Robert was active in starting the Marion Health Maintenance Organization and early on served as the executive director. In later years, he worked for Popped-Rite, Marion Employment and Stofcheck Ambulance Service. Robert was a life member and Past Master of the Belmond, Iowa, Lodge No. 220 F. & A. M. Having been a member of various Rotary clubs, he was instrumental in starting the Bellevue Rotary Club. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church (seven different churches) and had been a member of Epworth United Methodist Church since 1968. He served on the church executive board, holding several different positions throughout his years of membership. Robert had been a lifelong supporter of the American Red Cross and became a Senior Life Saver in 1937. In a 1999 news release by the American Red Cross, Robert was recognized for having donated blood since 1939. When asked about his decision to donate blood, Robert said, "Donating blood is a way to help someone in need. This for me is a gratifying experience." Robert served the Marion community in other ways as well: on the planning commission and with the Marion County Board of Elections. He was a good steward in many ways. With a green thumb, he nurtured plants as well as he nurtured causes, as he was an avid gardener, who often shared the bounty of his garden with others. Considered by his family to be "the world's first recycler," Robert was a man of the earth, a humanitarian, in every sense of the word. So conscious of what could be reused, he managed to not need trash service through all of his years. "An amazing teacher," Robert possessed the patience of Job, taking as much time as was needed for his "students" to understand his lessons, not just learn his lessons. In his limited spare time, Robert managed to be an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

In addition to his wife, Robert will be missed by two daughters: Judith (David) McNeal of Seattle, Wash., and Mary (Curtis) Galloway of Cardington, Ohio; five grandchildren: Jennifer (Will) Corning, Jon (Heidi) McNeal, Kara (Scott) Austin, Erica (Dean) Gardner, and Ben (Bobbi) Galloway; three great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law: Carol Kellermann. Robert also was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

The family will greet friends on Friday, May 11, 2007, from 5-7 p.m. at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Epworth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Max Williams officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, OH 43302, or to the Marion Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1849 Summerset Dr., Marion, OH 43302, and Bob would appreciate all making blood donations as well.

Marion Star, The (OH)
May 9, 2007