Edward James Kelb Sr.

1932 - 2017

Edward James Kelb, Sr.

11/10/1932 - 07/03/2017

Edward James Kelb, Sr., 84 years, Toledo OH, left this world to be with God, surrounded by his loving family members within his Perrysburg home. Edward will be remembered forever for his deep faith, profound love of family, closeness to nature and strong, optimistic resilience. His unique ability to guide and inspire others, along with his consistent caring attitude, have been reflected through his lifelong accomplishments.

Throughout his life, Ed shared his kind, radiant smile. His most cherished memories were of his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Barbara Grace Kelb (nickname, Mickey) with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage. In 1952, Ed and Barb were married at St. Michael's Church (Monroe, Michigan). Together, many fun memories were created with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with his surviving loving sister, Barb Gilmore and many treasured aunts, uncles, friends, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

As a child, Ed attended, and later, graduated from Elementary School at Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral School. Ed served as an Altar Boy and Choir Member of Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral Church. Ed spoke highly of his Aunt Mary, Grandma and Grandpa Lynch who strongly encouraged and supported his Catholic religious upbringing. Attending both Central Catholic and Scott High School, Ed later earned two degrees at the University of Toledo (Bachelor of Business in 1962, Master of Education, 1977). While attending night school, Ed graduated with honors and maintained ties with the University of Toledo Alumni Association.

At the age of 19 years, Ed was employed by The Toledo Blade. Edward's Dad, Edward George Kelb and Aunt Mary Lynch (both, now deceased) had also worked at The Toledo Blade. Ed volunteered with the Old Newsboys Association. While working at the Toledo Blade, Ed was called to serve in the US Army in 1953. As a Korean Veteran, he was stationed at Fort Meade Army Headquarters, Maryland. Serving as Unit Supply Specialist, Ed achieved the rank of Corporal, delivering confidential military documents to the Pentagon in Washington, DC as a Courier. Ed was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Ed was hired by the City of Toledo Municipal Court in 1955. Ed's first employment was within the Clerk of Municipal Courts Office. At the age of 30 years, Ed was asked to serve as Asst. Chief of Probation for the Toledo Municipal Court of Adult Probation. After serving for 18 years, he was appointed by the Toledo Court Judges to become Chief Probation Officer. Working with collateral agencies and judges, Ed created successful state grant funded ATI programs to improve adult probation services. Additionally, Ed was recognized for outstanding service to the Court Correctional Service Board on December 18, 1987. After retiring, Edward served as a Consultant in the coordination of adult probation services for the Sylvania and Oregon Municipal Courts. Overall, Ed provided 50 years of service to Northwest Ohio's Municipal Court systems.

Throughout life, Ed spoke proudly of his family and was an avid nature lover, creating supportive nature settings for wildlife within his two acres. Frequently, Ed would mention that nothing in nature ever dies, it just changes form. In the 1970s, Ed along with close family, built a gazebo and vacation cottage in Hudson, Michigan on Lime Lake which provided countless fun memories for hundreds of friends and family.

Both of Ed's parents (Edward George and Catherine Amelia Kelb) are deceased along with his younger brothers Francis and Henry Kelb. Surviving is his cherished wife, Barbara Grace Kelb, who provided the greatest love and support, along with; his two daughters, Jeanne Wright (spouse, Steve) and Karen Acuna (spouse, Denny) and his only son, Edward Kelb (spouse, Rita). Ed has also been treasured by his grandchildren, Sarah Miller (spouse, Rob), Elizabeth Osten (spouse, Thad), Amelia Teyner (spouse, Louie), Lydia Kleinschmidt (spouse, John), Greg Acuna, Christopher Kelb (spouse, Amanda), Ryan Kelb, Sierra Hammond (spouse, Kevin). Additionally, Ed has been love and respected by his great grandchildren, Katie Osten, Carson Osten, Luke Miller, Carter Kelb and Andrew Kelb.

Ed verbalized his deep appreciation to his devoted sisters-in-law, Elsie Ziegelhofer, Peggy Kloss and Boots Rogers who have been so supportive along with brothers-in-law, Tom Rogers and Don Kloss. His loving sister, Barb Gilmore along with deceased brothers-in-law, Jack Gilmore, Gus Ziegelhofer and Jim Rogers also have added much happiness to Ed's life.,

Special thanks are also extended to the exceptional nursing staff of Per Diem of Waterville OH and Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Nurse Nancy, Melinda, Lisa, Kathy and Joy provided caring support.

As requested, private services will be held. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg, OH at 577 Front St., Perrysburg, OH 43551 or Hospice of Northwest, Ohio at 30000 E., River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551.



View the online memorial for Edward James Kelb, Sr.11/10/1932 - 07/03/2017