Wayne L. Kelsven, age 80, of Munster, formerly of Lansing, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 22. Mr. Kelsven was born May 3, 1924 in Columbus, ND to Alfred and Mina (Rude). Mr. Kelsven grew up and worked in the mining camp of Hazen, ND where his father was mine supervisor. After high school, Mr. Kelsven served in the Army Air Transport Command from 1943 to 1946 as an Airplane Propeller Specialist. While stationed at Rosecrans Air Base in St. Joseph, MO, he met his wife, Marguerite Johnson. They were married in 1946 and returned to North Dakota where they lived for 10 years. Three of his four children were born in Hazen. They are Lynn (David) Salopek of Bolingbrook, IL, Deborah (Ross) Dworman of Oak Park, IL, and Timothy (Gina) Kelsven of Lansing, IL. While living in Hazen, Mr. Kelsven also taught drums and let the Hazen Drum and Bugle Corps. to state championships in the 1950's. Moving to the Calumet area in 1956, Mr. Kelsven pursued his profession as an operating engineer, working on the heavy equipment used during the interstate highway development. It was during his residence there that his fourth child, Kim (Greg) Ollo was born. In addition to his wife and four children, Mr. Kelsven is survived by his sister Mary (Dr. Jack) Hartwig of Minneapolis as well as by his 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. His grandchildren are Troy (Chris) Ritsema of West Dundee, IL, Todd (Traci) Ritsema of Crown Point, IN, Kelli (Kenneth) Schuler of Munster, IN, Jodee (David) Asplund of Munster, Lenny (Clarissa) Helton of Oak Park, IL, Adam Kelsven of Lansing, Tess Dworman of Oak Park, Greer Dworman of Oak Park, Katie Kelsven of Lansing, Tanner Ollo of Lansing, and Carson Ollo of Lansing. Great grandchildren include Shelby Ritsema, Emma, Owen, Drew, and Luke Ritsema, Sam and Mina Schuler, and Halle Asplund. In addition, Mr. Kelsven is survived by many nephews, nieces, and cousins in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Connecticut. Mr. Kelsven has been a member of the American Legion Post 697 and Operating Engineers Local 150 since his discharge from the army. He was employed by Heckett Engineering, Thoeson Tractor, and Orr Construction Co. He is also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Lansing. Mr. Kelsven is preceded in death by his parents and by an infant sister. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday December 28, 2004 at 11:00 AM from the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd., Lansing with Reverend Paul Appold officiating. Internment Oak Glen Cemetery, Lansing, IL. Friends may meet with the family on Monday from 2:00 to 9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers in memory in Mr. Kelsven donations to the Trinity Lutheran Church of Lansing, IL would be appreciated.

Published in The Times from 12/25/2004 - 12/28/2004