Marlene Kelderman Obituary

Marlene Mae Kelderman, 87, of Johnston, Iowa passed away surrounded by those who loved her on August 17, 2024 at Taylor House in Des Moines. A visitation will be held from 9- 10AM Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Reach Church, 2725 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310. A memorial service will follow the visitation beginning at 10:30AM.

Marlene was born on July 17, 1937 in Gaza, Iowa to Velma Mae and Leonard Bilsland. She attended East High and Drake University where she graduated with Honors and her Bachelor’s in Education. She worked as an administrative assistant for IMT Insurance for 25 years until her retirement in 2000. She married Lawrence (Larry) Kelderman on August 3, 1957. Together they raised their two children, Lori and Jeffrey.

Marlene loved to read, play board and card games, travel, winter in Arizona and spend time with her friends. She loved to sing and enjoyed Gospel music. Marlene attended Reach Church for over 84 years and loved her church. Most of all she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 67 years, Lawrence (Larry) Kelderman; children, Lori High of Brookhaven, GA and Jeffrey Kelderman of Johnston, IA; grandchildren, Amanda Kelderman (Teja Yeluri), James High, Jeremy (Priscilla) Kelderman, Elizabeth High and great-grandchildren Micah Kelderman and Harlow Kelderman and brother, Richard Bilsland (Vetra) of Winder, GA.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Mae Bilsland, granddaughter Victoria Kelderman and son in-law James High.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the food bank of Reach Church.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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