Dr. Kelm was born on June 21, 1930 in Smithton, Missouri to Earl and Marie (Bluhm) Luebbert. Kathryn spent her childhood in Smithton, MO and later moved to Shawnee, KS. As a child, she excelled at school and helped her parents at various dairy farms in Missouri and Kansas. Kathryn later worked at a variety of places, including Gateway Sporting Goods and William Volker and Company. She graduated with salutatorian honors from Shawnee Mission High School in 1948 and continued her education at Johnson County Community College, Avila, University of Missouri – Kansas City, and University of Kansas. She earned her Ph.D. in finance from KU at the age of 62. She taught business/finance/accounting at Blue Valley High School, Avila, KU, Emporia State University, Rockhurst University and finished her career at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Kathryn was a mentor to countless younger women inspiring them to excellence both academically and in their careers.
Kathryn was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park and was active in their Ladies Guild and the Wedding Committee. She served on the Lutheran High School Board for many years. Kathryn enjoyed participating in Boy Scout activities in Troop #284 with her Scoutmaster husband and three Eagle Scout sons. She was an avid knitter and enjoyed historical novels.
Kathryn married Franklin J. Kelm on November 14, 1959 in Mission, KS. They shared 30 loving years together.
Kathryn is lovingly remembered by her sons, William Earl “Bill” Kelm (Shelley) of Olathe, Robert Franklin “Bob” Kelm of Overland Park and Bruce Edward Kelm (Mary Kay) of Shawnee. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Jennifer Magee (Dan), Steven Kelm (Hannah), Benjamin Kelm and Abigail Kelm and great-grandchildren, Paxton Magee and Baby Magee due in November.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Kelm; her parents, Earl and Marie (Bluhm)Luebbert and her brother, Charles Luebbert. She will be deeply missed by family and friends, and all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at 9am on Thursday, October 17 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 9101 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas with her funeral service beginning at 10:00am. Her burial will follow in Johnson County Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations go to Bethany Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.mcgilleyhoge.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18