Wilford "Jim" Celmer

1942 - 2024

Wilford "Jim" Celmer

August 16, 1942 - October 6, 2024

GRAND ISLAND - Wilford "Jim" Celmer, 82, of Grand Island passed away on October 6, 2024 at CHI Health St. Francis. Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home, with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m.

Jim was born on August 16, 1942 in Grand Island to Walter and Josephine (Polansky) Celmer. He was raised and received his education in the Grand Island area, first attending St. Mary's elementary and graduating from Grand Island Central Catholic in 1960. He then went on to attend Kearney State College for one year. He then enlisted into the National Guard.

Jim was first married to June Claussen, from this union his daughter Kristi was born, and he also gained two step-children. On May 29, 1982, Jim was united in marriage to Kathy Posey. They had been married 42 years.

In his early years, Jim traveled the country selling magazines before working for Diamond Engineering. He then went on to work for the post office for 26 years until his first retirement. His next career was working for the Street Department for the city of Grand Island for 22 years until his second retirement. After his second retirement he worked for Crane as a Bus Driver until January of 2020, which became his final retirement.

Jim was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Knights of Columbus, Platt Deutsche, Saddle Club, and the American Legion. In high school Jim played football and basketball. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, and golf. He also coached women's softball. Although he started as a Nebraska fan, he ended up an Oklahoma Sooners fan. He loved animals, especially Kitty Kat, the cat that adopted him. His greatest joy was meeting people and hearing their stories.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Kathy; daughter, Kristi Celmer; step-children, Bill (Kathy) Young, Vicki (Clay) Owings; sister, Patricia (Ron) Janulewicz; sister-in-laws Kristi (John) Coale, Carol Zieben; and close friends Rick and Linda Studley.

Jim was preceded in death by an infant brother, his parents and grandparents.

Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.