James Erwin Kelter, 59, died at sunrise on Sunday, March 13, 2016 with his family by his side at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. Jim’s body succumbed to a life-long battle of health complications derived from Juvenile Diabetes. He was a beloved son, fun and kind brother, devoted husband, caring and considerate father, favorite uncle, loving grandfather, and friend to many.
Born in Chicago on October 20, 1956 to Dorothy and Edward Kelter, Jim grew up the second youngest with his two brothers and two sisters. He developed an early passion for history and music. While still in high school he became an early member of the 18-piece “Big Band Machine,” taking great joy and pride playing bass with the band on Chicago’s southside. Jim enjoyed a career of over thirty years at CNA Insurance, starting as a file clerk and retiring as Vice President of Human Resources. Jim was married to Kathryn Centa on August 21, 1977; together they were proud parents of three. Jim moved to Prairie du Sac a few years ago, and volunteered as an ESL tutor and member of the Heroes for Honor fundraising team for the Badger Honor Flight program.
Jim is survived by his children Jamie (Eric) Davis of Chicago, Dan (Amber) Kelter of Mt. Prospect, IL, Joshua Kelter of San Diego, CA, and their mother Kathy Kelter of Aurora, IL; grandchildren Campbell, Clark, and Elston Kelter; mother Dorothy Kelter of Prairie du Sac, WI; siblings Ed (Kathy) Kelter, Bob (Marita) Kelter, Mary (John) Brennan, and Shirley Kelter; many nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Edward Kelter and infant brother Joseph Kelter.
Jim never let his lifetime of fighting health challenges define him or hold him back. He lived fully with great spirit and quick wit. He exhausted his body completely and we are grateful that he is finally at peace and no longer has to fight. He will be missed incredibly.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Sunday, March 20, 11am – 3pm at the River Arts Gallery on Water, 590 Water Street, Prairie du Sac, WI. Join us for refreshments, music, and lots of good stories! At 1 pm, there will be a short service.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, in memory of James Kelter— donate.jdrf.org