ERWIN KELBERT

Erwin G. Kelbert, of Menasha, age 83, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 10, 2013, with his family by his side. Erv was born December 8, 1929 in Neuhof, Germany, son of the late Gustav and Pauline Kelbert. Erv immigrated to the U.S. in April of 1952 at the age of 22. He started working at the Neenah Foundry that same year. In 1954 Erv was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for two years. He was stationed in Japan. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he went back to the Neenah Foundry. He worked there as an electrician, and retired after 42 years of employment. In 1962 Erwin married Frieda Neuman, who was also an immigrant from Germany. They were married at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Appleton, and have been members there ever since. Erwin and Frieda enjoyed dancing and celebrating their German heritage. They especially loved to go to Milwaukee for Fasching (Mardi Gras). Erwin and Frieda also loved to travel, and did so extensively after retirement. Their travels took them to many destinations in the U.S. as well as to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Erwin is survived by his wife, Frieda; a sister, Edith (Werner) Kuehn, of Neenah; a brother, Horst (Barbara) Kelbert, of Ocala, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Wilhelm and Reinhard in Germany, Arnold of Neenah; and three sisters: Marie and Elly in Germany, and Gertrud Kuehn of Neenah. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at Menashas Westgor Funeral Home, with The Rev. Kenneth Frey officiating. The visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established for St. Pauls Church. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. Erwins family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staffs of Heartland Hospice and of Prairie Home for their compassionate care during Erwins final days.