STAFFORD, Va. – Raymond R. Kelmel, 69, died Saturday, June 30, 2012, in Stafford, Va., where he recently moved with his wife, Helen, to be near his daughter, Valerie Wenhold, a resident of Virginia. Ray was born in New York to Gertrude Leach and Raymond R. Kelmel where he continued to reside until the age of 13.
Ray treasured a close relationship with his grandfather, Rudolph Kelmel; together they enjoyed many long walks and conversations, which lasted as beautiful lifelong memories. Ray grew up with his two sisters, Linda and Janice; the siblings remained connected through life. Linda, Janice and Ray’s parents have passed on before him and are now reunited with him in heaven. During his teen years, he and his family moved from New York to Maine, where he completed his education and became a machinist/toolmaker. Helen and Ray were married Nov. 28, 1964, in Belfast. Together they resided in several towns along the East coast of Maine with a short stay in California at the beginning of their marriage. The majority of their years together they resided in Eliot, where Ray enjoyed working his talents at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 26 years as a machinist and toolmaker. Ray found many treasures in life; while proud of his career, he was devoted to his family, friends and neighbors. He developed a deep bond and friendship with his wife that lasted their entire marriage and brought great peace and satisfaction to his life. Together they had a daughter, Valerie Wenhold; two grandsons, Colton Dunning and Alex Wenhold; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Dunning. Ray Kelmel found much pleasure in being ready and able to help his friends and neighbors; he was always willing to assist whatever the task. Ray Kelmel was a long standing member of Knights of Columbus of St. Raphael’s Church, Kittery. Ray contributed to many of the services provided by the Knights of Columbus and was honored in return by their dedication as he progressed through Alzheimer’s disease. The family wishes to say a special and heartfelt thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their loyalty, compassion and tremendous support to Ray. The Knights of Columbus offered their assistance to Ray and his wife when assistance was needed and did so with the sincerity that reflected Ray’s own contributions to others in his life.
A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at Seal Cove Cemetery, Seal Cove. The family has asked for donations to be made to an Alzheimer’s foundation in Ray’s name. Two foundations are suggested and can be found at www.alzfdn.org and www.alzheimersprevention.org or by calling 888-908-5766. Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to
www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com.