James "Jim" Kelker

James “Jim” Kelker, age 81, of Fort Wayne, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.  Born on September 20, 1941, he was the son of the late Edward and Maxine (Baker) Kelker.  Jim was a 1959 graduate of Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne.  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served for two years as a Fire Control Technician.  He met the love of his life, Marilyn (Groves) while at a snow ski club, and together, they spent the next 51 years building a life and watching their family grow.  Jim was the owner of a Peerless Cleaners and Grease Monkeys franchise in Fort Wayne.  He retired in 2013 and enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family at Clear Lake.  Jim loved being a grandfather to his eight grandchildren above anything else.  He will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.  Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn Kelker; children, Marissa (Michael A.) Tippmann, Craig (Nicole) Kelker, and Mark (fiancé Christine Spiker) Kelker; grandchildren, James, Will, Charlie, Daylen, Abbie, Michael, Cecilia, Ruby, and Brooks (arriving soon); brothers, David and Edward (Michelle) Kelker; and sister, Barbara (R.B.) Barnes.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Michael (Margo) Kelker and Thomas (Gloria) Kelker.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 with visitation one hour prior.  Visitation will also be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with a rosary beginning at 4:30 p.m.  Jim will be laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, at the conclusion of the funeral service.  Memorials can be written to the Alzheimer’s Association and to Saint Charles Catholic School Tuition Assistance in Jim’s name.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.org for the family.