Donald L. Jelm

Donald Leslie Jelm

Born: June 4, 1929; in Seneca, IL

Died: July 17, 2015; in Sandwich, IL

Donald Leslie Jelm, 86, of Somonauk, passed away peacefully at Valley West Hospital in Sandwich, on July 17, 2015. He was born in Seneca, Illinois, to Leslie T. and Inez (nee Varland) Jelm on June 4, 1929.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Ruth Iola (nee Mading) Jelm; son, Steven (Judy) Jelm of St. Charles, IL; son, Jeffrey (Sandy) Jelm of Batavia, IL; daughter, Sandra Jelm of Minnetonka, MN; son, Douglas Jelm of Somonauk; brother, Gordon Jelm of Alaska; brother, Wendell (Cindy) Jelm of Chicago; and four grandchildren, Erin Jelm of Chicago, IL; Collin Jones of Minneapolis, MN; Caitlin Jelm of New York, NY; and Caroline Jones of Seattle, WA. Several beloved nieces and nephews survive as well.

The summer he turned 13, a sudden tragic farm accident took his father's life. The oldest of four children, he did not take lightly the sense of responsibility for his younger siblings, and remained a devoted son to his mother for all of her long life. He graduated from Somonauk High School (1947), after which he earned a degree from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa.

Newly married in October 1950, Korean War service in the U.S. Army took him away from home for many months at a time. Their first home was at an Army base in Missouri. His family was the center of his life. He had a wonderful way with children and enjoyed loving relationships with each of his four grandchildren. They enjoyed spending time with him and finding ways to make each other laugh. He always took an interest in whatever his children enjoyed, such as home improvements, sports, travel, and books about history.

He spent his career in the farm implement industry as a business owner of Jelm Implement Co. and later Hinckley Implement, both International Harvester dealerships. Upon retiring from the farm implement business, he joined his son's CPA firm as office manager for a period of years, which served to deepen a close father-son friendship.

For as long as he could, he enjoyed gardening, wood working, and mechanical tinkering. As a sports enthusiast, he loved basketball and football and watching big games with family. He cared about his community, serving on the Village Board for many years and as a volunteer fireman. Equine therapy for special needs children and adults was a particular interest of his. He had been a longtime member of the Community of Christ Church in Plano, Illinois, until health challenges inhibited his ability to attend. He missed his church community very much in later years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Jelm; mother, Inez Jelm; sister, Wanda Malone; brother-in-law, Max Malone; and his close first cousin, Doyle Jelm.

A visitation is being planned for Saturday, August 1, 2015, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL, with a Memorial Service immediately following. A private family graveside service will be held at Section Cemetery in Rural Marseilles.

Memorial Donations: Parkinson's Research or Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com Turner-Eighner Funeral Home at 13160 W. Rt 34 in Somonauk, IL 815-498-2363