Noman Phillip (Phil) Kelchen

Norman Phillip (Phil) Kelchen

Monticello

Norman Phillip (Phil) Kelchen, 80, of Monticello, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 Saturday morning, March 9, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello with interment in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call after 9:00 to service time at the church. Father Paul Baldwin will officiate at the services. Goettsch Funeral Home has taken Phil and his family into their care. Thoughts, memories, and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com. In lieu of flowers, financial contributions can be made to the Monticello Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include, sons Marv (Sandy), Ron (Shelly) and Mark Kelchen of Monticello; daughters Cheryl (Shane) Classen of Orion, IL, Cindy (Ryan) Stock of Cedar Rapids, IA, Christy (Chris) Arthur of Central City, IA. 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way; brothers Bill (Dolores) , John , Ben (Kor) Kelchen and a sister Ruth (Dick) Pasker; 3 beloved Sisters-in-laws and 1 Brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Virginia; his parents; brothers Allen, Bob, Larry, Leroy (Lee), Charlie Kelchen; sisters Theresa Dullea, Betty DeRosia, Rita Kelchen; and two half-sisters Mary Eleanor Graessle and Katherine Mathews.

Norman Phillip (Phil) Kelchen was born July 1, 1943, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Al and Leona (Crowley) Kelchen. Phil was united in marriage to Virginia Ann Gudenkauf on October 13, 1962, at St Partrick’s Catholic Church in Ryan, Iowa.

Phil started his career farming with his family and spent much of his life as a truck driver. He held positions in the construction trades and retired from Energy Manufacturing. He served on the Monticello Ambulance and was a Monticello Volunteer Fire Fighter for 12 years.

Phil’s wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the highlight of his life. He enjoyed gardening, camping, woodworking, fishing, bicycling, playing cards, and traveling with his wife and family. In addition, he enjoyed helping others and spending time with his friends.