Mary Christine (Willenbring) Kelchen

Mary Christine Kelchen, 83, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at her home. She was born on May 23, 1941, in Dubuque, the daughter of Cyril and Anastasia (Clemen) Willenbring. Mary was raised and educated in Luxemburg and attended Holy Trinity Catholic School. In 1997, Mary was proud to earn her High School Equivalency Diploma from NICC.

On May 15, 1963, Mary was united in marriage to Eugene “Gene” Kelchen at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg.  Three children were born to this union. The couple farmed together on their farm near Edgewood. Gene passed away in 2002. Mary remained on the farm for several years before moving to town.

Mary worked at the Eastern Iowa Shopping News and the Variety Store in Edgewood. She then worked at Polo Products and was very proud of doing the stitching on Harley-Davidson motorcycle back rests. Mary was a longtime active member of St. Mark Catholic Church. She was a member of the Edgewood Birthday Club and enjoyed quilting. Mary loved her family and cherished the time they spent together.

Survivors include her two children, Dale (Tami) Kelchen of Manchester and Julie (Paul) Krogmann of Manchester; two grandchildren, Danielle Krogmann and Christopher Krogmann; her siblings, RoseAnn (John Pape) Kelchen, Jim (Jennifer) Willenbring, Joan (Ron) Ronnebaum, Joe (Marilyn) Willenbring, and Patrick Willenbring; sisters-in-law, Pearl Kelchen and Rosalynn Kelchen; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene in 2002; daughter, Joyce in infancy;

brother-in-law, Lloyd Kelchen; and sister-in-law, Mary Beth Willenbring.

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