CommunityThe story of Irma and Milton Kelm.
Irma and Milton Kelm are two Winnipeg Foundation estate donors. The Kelms demonstrated their deep commitment to community and a better tomorrow by the way they lived every day. Between volunteerism and active participation in their church, the Kelms dedicated many hours to building relationships with people and bettering the lives of those around them.
Irma was born in Russia in 1924, and in 1927 her family immigrated to Canada and settled in Frobisher, Saskatchewan. Due to the severe drought of the 1930s, Irma’s family gave up their farm and moved to Morris, Manitoba. Irma began her career working for the Province of Manitoba in the Agricultural Representatives Office, and in 1955 was hired as secretary to the Minister of Health and Welfare, Bobby Bend. She worked as a secretary for the next 26 years.
Milton was born in the Brooklands area of Winnipeg in 1931. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting for big game, amassing many trophies over the years. Milton’s other passion was flying. He had a commercial pilot’s license, owned several airplanes, and enjoyed flying north for fishing trips.
Shortly after retiring Irma began volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and continued to do so for 25 years. A dedicated community member, she was also a Girl Guide leader, provided childcare at her church with the Moms Time Out program, and worked with seniors. Irma supported relatives and friends through YWAM, Lake Nutimik Baptist Camp, and those going into mission ministry.
Milton was an entrepreneur and at the time of his passing was the owner and manager of K & K Manufacturing Inc. Like Irma, Milton was a person of faith. He was a devoted member of Whyte Ridge Baptist Church from its inception until the end of his life.
The Winnipeg Foundation was named the residual beneficiary of the Kelms’ estate with distributions to support Whyte Ridge Baptist Church, Meadowood Manor Personal Care Home, and Nutimik Lake Baptist Camp. Through these generous gifts, the Kelms continue to support their community’s vitality For good. Forever.
Read the Kelms’ full obituaries here:
Irma Kelm: passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-295691/KELM_IRMA
Milton Kelm: passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-234774/Milton_Kelm
This story is featured in the Spring 2022 issue of our Working Together magazine. Download or view the full issue on our Publications page.