Reverend Lawrence E. Kelm

Lawrence Emil Kelm was born in Walburg, Texas on March 22, 1939, the son of Berthold and Mary Kelm of Walburg, Texas. Lawrence attended Christian day school for eight years at Zion Walburg and spent the next eleven years in training for the Lutheran Ministry with five years at Concordia High School and Junior College, Austin, Texas; two years at Concordia Senior college, Ft. Wayne Indiana; and four years at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri where he graduated in 1965 with a Masters of Theology.

He served four years as Missionary-at-large in the Winston-Salem, NC area beginning in a new parish, Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, Kernersville, NC and eight years as Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mt. Pocono, PA and Leisure Ministry coordinator for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in the Pocono Mountains of NE Pennsylvania before coming to Houston. He was a dedicated Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Houston from 1978 to 2009. In addition to all his duties for the Church, he was responsible for the biblical instruction and leadership of the Lutheran North Elementary School (K-8). After “retirement” (2009-2020), he continued his faithful calling as a heavily requested vacancy pastor, in addition to his seven days a week grocery ministry, sick and shut-in visits, an active choir member, and countless requested weddings, funerals and hospital visits.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Berthold and Mary Kelm and grand daughter, Gracie Joy.

Lawrence is survived by his faithful wife of 54 years, Joanne; daughter, Sharon and son-in-law Kevin Andersen, daughter Pamela Kelm-Zabel, daughter Melissa Kelm-Holland, grand child Madison Holland-Bryant (husband, Harrison), grand children Valerie and Carson Andersen. Great grandchild, Brynleigh Grace.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” Matthew 25:23

“My Sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, nether hall any man pluck them out of My hand” John 10:27-28

In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to Concordia University, Austin, Texas.