Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Gregory Earl Kelm, age 49, of The Dalles, Ore., passed away June 19, 2016.
Greg was born in Springfield, Ore., on October 4, 1966. He was born just prior to his family moving to Tygh Valley, Ore., where he lived for the first 14 years of his life. Greg and his family then moved to The Dalles, Ore., in 1981 where he attended high school, graduating in 1985. Greg joined the Army in 1987 where he served four years: he showed bravery and sacrifice in active combat during Operation Desert Storm War in Saudi Arabia.
Greg loved hunting, fishing, and ultimately loved making a difference in others' lives. Greg's passion of "Paying it Forward" is how he continued to serve his country and community. Greg was very active in his community by volunteering in many organizations including the "Pay it Forward" organization and found pleasure in regularly delivering food boxes to those less fortunate.
Gregory E. Kelm is survived by his mother- Karen Kelm, wife of four years, Dana Blake Kelm, two sons, Ian Troy and Briar William Kelm, three step-children, Tiffany Blake Flynn and family, Samantha Blake and Matthew Phillips, five step-grandchildren, and Greg's siblings, Randy Relyea and family, Shelley Kelm Litzko and family, Kevin Kelm, Tammy Kelm Lambson and family, Duane Smiley, and Karen Smiley. Greg is preceded in death by his father, Ted Kelm.
Greg will be laid to rest with his best friend Richie Malcolm on July 2, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, located at 1701 Cherry Heights Rd. The Dalles, Ore. A Celebration of Life and potluck will immediately follow the graveside internment. There will be an escorted community procession to the Celebration of Life located at the Shilo Inn, 3233 Bret Clodfelter Way in The Dalles, Ore.
At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, a trust account in memory of Greg E. Kelm has been established at the Rivermark Community Credit Union, 1240 W. 6th St, The Dalles, Ore. 541-296-3224.
For potluck details and participation interest, please contact Dana Kelm at 503-396-8908.
