Ronnie Gene Kelsheimer's Obituary
Ronnie Gene Kelshimer passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, November 6th, 2025.
Ronnie was born on May 13, 1949 in Clinton Indiana to his parents, Mark and Virginia Kelsheimer. His devoted parents taught him the value of hard work and the importance of family. He grew up with his older sister, Nancy, and his younger brother, Steve.
Ronnie met his beautiful wife, Linda Gail Wells, while they were at work at the Zenith factory in Paris, IL. They started dating in 1966. Their favorite spot for date nights was the drive-in theatre. They were married October 14th, 1967. Together they raised three children: Ronnie Gene Jr, John Leonard, & Tammy Linn. Their home was filled with an abundance of laughter and love.
Well known for his Elvis impersonations, quick wit and excellent sense of humor, Ronnie could always be counted on to lift anyone’s spirits. His children and grandchildren will always remember the sound of him singing along to Elvis Presley songs, his infectious laugh, warm hugs, and the many precious memories they shared with him.
Any time the grandkids were over, he would make sure that they left feeling like his favorite grandchild. Checkers was one of the grandkids’ favorite games to play with Grandpa, because he always said “Now, I’m not going to go easy on you, because otherwise you won’t get any smarter!” He would always be “ornery”, sneaking the kids Reese’s peanut butter cups, and smiling without his teeth in to make them laugh. Even though some of the grandkids lived far away, he still made it clear he loved them from miles away, whether it be sending one of his famous hand-drawn pictures in the mail, telling stories and jokes over the phone, or calling early in the morning before work to remind them that he was proud of them.
There is no doubt he loved his family dearly. He worked hard to provide a good life for them. Ronnie was an employee of ADM for 38 years. He was always quick to help anyone in need, which is why in 1983 he began serving as a volunteer fireman to the town of Cerro Gordo, IL. He served with the Cerro Gordo Fire department for 10 years.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Virginia Kelsheimer; sister, Nancy Matthews (Larry); and brother, Steven Kelsheimer.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Linda Kelsheimer, and 3 children: Ronnie Gene Kelsheimer Jr (Stephanie), John Kelsheimer (Vicky), and Tammy Kelsheimer. He was a loving grandpa to 7 grandchildren. He was the favorite uncle of several nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Ronnie will be held at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM with Graveside service to follow in Graceland Cemetery.
Obituary written by Ronnie's loving family.
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