josef william kelm

Josef William Kelm, 29 years old, of Navarre, Florida, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2019, at his family home after a courageous 8 year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
 
Born in Hammond, Indiana, on April 4, 1990; Josef graduated from Oblong High School class of 2008 before crossing into the blue and enlisting as a Security Forces Airman in the U.S. Air Force. He served his country from March 2009 to February 2014, with a deployment to Afghanistan. 
 
Josef’s first duty station was Malmstrom AFB in Montana where he functioned as a 741st Security Forces Squadron Escort Team member. After a permanent change of duty station, he was then assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. His career was cut short due to a diagnosis of ALS, receiving a medical retirement as a Senior Airman. 
 
Josef is survived by his wife of 7 years, Sharlene Kelm; his 4 year old daughter, Jinora; his mother, Barbrie Kelm; father, Stephen Kelm; sister, Hollie; and brothers, Stephen Jr. and Alan.
 
The Kelm Family would like to thank the staff at Emerald Coast Hospice, Synergy Home Care, and the Pensacola VA Clinic for their attentive and compassionate services provided during Josef’s long illness. A special thank you to Josef’s mother and her dedicated care for him, especially during the last few months while he and his wife focused on cherished memories and love for each other. Sharlene would also like to express her sincere thanks to everyone’s unending support through the years and continued prayers during the Kingdom of Kelmdor's most difficult time. 
 
​A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 7552 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, Florida 32566.  

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