Timothy "Tim" Frank Kelm

Timothy Frank Kelm, 55, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, May 28, 2017 at Sanford Hospital Family Room after a courageous 7 ½ year battle with colon cancer.

Tim was born July 15, 1961 in Bemidji, MN to Frank and Avis (Vincent) Kelm.  He attended Northern Elementary School and Bemidji Jr. and Sr. High School.  He played football for the Bemidji Lumberjacks.  His junior year the team went to State Tournament and went to Semi Finals.  His senior year Tim was named All Conference and MN All State for offensive left tackle. 

On November 24, 1984, he married Debra Wilson in Bemidji, MN.  They were married for 32 years.  He was a logger and farmer his whole life.  Tim worked beside his brother Rich all his life.  Tim and Deb formed Tim Kelm Logging, Inc. and he built his herd of cattle to 3-400 calves and cows.  He enjoyed spending time with the cattle and tending the crops.  He loved going to Idaho to their cabin for elk hunting and any chance they could take the boys there 4-wheeling.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, bonfires, riding ATV and fishing.  He was a kind, caring, hard working, genuine and loving man.  As a special friend described him - He worked hard and loved hard.  He was known for his wonderful smile and the twinkle in his bright blue eyes. 

He is survived by his wife, Deb, his sons and daughters Trevor and Tiffany Kelm of Waconia, MN and Dallis and Katie Kelm of Bemidji, mom, Avis Kelm of Bemidji, brothers Richard Kelm and Jeff (Pam) Kelm of Bemidji, sisters Kathy (Bernie) Erickson of Bemidji, Shirley (Doug) Fieldman of Duluth, MN, Nancy (Ken) Bogue, Pam (Dave) Becker of Bemidji, and nieces and nephews, great-niece and great-nephews, his in-laws Jeff and DeLores Wilson of Bemidji and Den and Hazel LaCroix of Bemidji, brothers-in-law Dale Wilson, LV, NV and Dan (Mikayla Simon) LaCroix and sister-in-law Shayna LaCroix of Bemidji.  He is preceded in death by his father Frank Kelm.

Per Tim’s wishes there will be no funeral and to have his ashes set free in Idaho by their cabin.  For memorials please make donations to:  American Cancer Society – COLON Cancer, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 OR Sanford Bemidji Medical Center – FAMILY SUITE, % of Sanford Health Foundation of Northern MN, 1300 Anne St, Bemidji, MN 56601.

Tim’s family would like to thank all of the Doctors, Nurses, CNAs, the ER and all other employees at Sanford Bemidji and Fargo for the great care they gave Tim and all the kindness and extra care they showed his wife and family.

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