Roland Kelm

The most meaningful sermons are lived, not preached. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. Roland “Poppy” Kelm was the kind of man who lit up a room the moment he stepped in—not because he demanded attention, but because his warmth and joy were impossible to ignore. Roland met each day with a bubbling sense of humor and a deep, steady kindness. He made life feel lighter, more colorful, and a whole lot more fun. Mr. Kelm held his faith dear and carried his beliefs with quiet strength, always grounded, always guided by a deep spiritual compass. Life didn't harden him. He was a delight.

We've reached the age where life stops giving things, but takes them away. But don't fear sadness, as it tends to sit next to love. This is the time that we let go, and these are the words that will take us home. Roland “Poppy” Kelm passed away, just days after his 85th birthday, at Cooper Hospital in Camden surrounded by his loving family. One day we will know how lucky we were to have known his love with wonder, not grief.

Mr. Kelm emigrated from Germany with his family to the United States when he was a young boy. His earliest years were spent in Minnesota before his family moved to the Germantown section of Philadelphia, where he spent his adolescent years. Roland served proudly in the U.S. Army. Roland met his beloved wife Elisa in the summer of 1968 and began building his family. Mr. Kelm made his career at Eagle Point Refinery in Westville working for Texaco, Coastal, and El Paso. Roland had been a long-time Mt. Ephraim neighbor, where he raised and nurtured his family for 47 years before downsizing and retiring to Gloucester City. He had been a deeply committed and active congregant of the Highland Park Church of God, where he took part in the Men's Group, Men's Bible Study, and was a member of the Board of Trustees.

Our loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. Mr. Kelm was established in love 56 years ago and leaves his wife, Elisa (nee Smith) Kelm, to cherish his memory as a good husband. Roland is survived by his children, Roland & his wife Carly Kelm, and Herta Ann Kelm. He is the proud Poppy of Samantha & her husband Corey Robinson, Noah Kelm, Jayne & her husband Kevin Thomas, Carson Grabowski, Nathan Grabowski, George Brannon, Chance Kelm, Leo Kelm, and the late Dylan Kelm. Mr. Kelm was predeceased by his late siblings, Heinz Kelm, Ursula Schuett & Herta Kelm, but is also survived and will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews.

Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather with the Kelm family in tribute and thanksgiving on Saturday morning for Visitation between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at the Highland Park Church of God, 111 Baynes Ave., Gloucester City, NJ, 08030. Followed by an 11:00 AM Celebration of Life Service. As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be generously donated in Roland’s memory to the Highland Park Church of God at the address above or by using this link: https://highlandparkcog.org/

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