On December 18, 2009, former Minonk resident, Gertie Kelm, will turn 100 years old.
She was born Dec 18, 1909 to John & Katie Fortman of rural Minonk. She married Walter W. Kelm on May 10, 1941. He passed away in Nov 1981.
She spent most of her life as a Minonk resident, before moving to Pleasentview Luther Home in Ottawa six years ago. She is a long -time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church , Minonk, where she participated in the Ladies sewing circles for many years.
At Pleasant View, she still participates in many activities, including bible study, exercise class, and crafts. One of the projects she participated in at Pleasantview was the Teddy Bear project for St Jude Children's Hospital.
She has one sister, Mabel Harms, of El Paso, IL , and sisters-in law, Rosalie Fortman of Morton, Il and Carol Kelm of Bellingham , WA.
Gertie has 2 children, son, Richard Kelm of Ottawa and daughter Ilene (William) Beverley of Sandwich, IL. She has 2 grandsons, Joel ( Heather) Beverley of Hainesville, Il and Ryan Beverley of Sandwich, and one Great-grandson Kevin C. Beverley.
A birthday celebration dinner with family will be held in her honor.
Anyone wishing to send her Birthday Wishes, may do so at the following address:
Gertie Kelm
505 College AV, Room C39
Ottawa, Il 60531