Robert A. Kelton age 67 of Durand, formerly of Arkansaw, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2015 with his family by his side at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire after a massive stroke.

Bob was born on December 7, 1947 in Plum City to the late Allen and Julianna (Falkner) Kelton. He grew up in Arkansaw and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1966. After high school, Bob enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served his country in Vietnam and was Honorably Discharged in 1970. Bob married Carol Schuh on April 8, 1972 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw. He had various jobs while owning his own farm in Arkansaw, Bob retired from the Walmart Distribution Center in Menomonie in 2012.

Bob enjoyed reading, going on the bike trail, driving around, going to thrift sales, antique stores and pawn shops. Bob was a talker and had many friends. Most of all Bob, loved to spend time with family and friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years; Carol, four children; Kimberly (Kenneth) Papenfus of Nelson, Jon (Heather) of Arkansaw, Amanda (Clint Hass) Kelton of Plum City and Andrew (Allysa) of Sleepy Eye, MN, 8 grandchildren; Derek (Ali), Vanessa, Tyler, Tia, Carissa, Levi, Carson and Chloe, one great grandson; Liam, one sister; Linda (Jerry) Lieffring of Arkansaw, one brother; Ken (Marcella) of Lake Elmo, MN, one sister-in-law; Lynne Kelton of Oregon, mother-in-law; Jean Weldon of Plum City, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Julianna, one granddaughter and one brother; James Kelton.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. Pastor Dan Richardson will officiate. Burial will be in the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery in Arkansaw. Military Honors will be provided by the Plum City American Legion #365 of Plum City. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Thursday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Margie Hartung Stanger & Don Stanger August 5, 2015, at 1:14pm

   We are very sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to all of Bob's family. We have fond memories of Bob from school days!

2. The Goodrich Family July 31, 2015, at 10:20am

   We would like to express our sincere sympathy! Bob was a great guy and will be missed.

3. Nadine Schuh July 30, 2015, at 8:13pm

   Carol and family : Sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. When my dad died, this little saying helped.
   ( When a loved one leaves to go on a trip we sadly say, "Goodbye," BUT-- on the other side they excitedly say, "HELLO, WELCOME HOME !"
   Nadine Schuh your cousin.-- Leo was my dad.

4. Bobbi Kelton July 29, 2015, at 8:11pm

   I just heard about Bob. My heart hurts and will miss his smiling face and laugh. I wish i could be there to say good bye to my dear cousin. He always made a joke about us having the same name. To his family, big hugs and many thoughts and prayers. He forever has a special place in my heart. Bobbi

5. Joan Sosalla July 29, 2015, at 1:40pm

   I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing and for your terrible loss. We had such wonderful times when we were in high school. Bob was always a kind and caring man and had a heart of gold. He shall be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have shared a friendship with him. I am happy for you Carol that you have your children and grandchildren to console you and keep your spirits up and that you have them to share your sorrow and to also remember and share memories of him with as in go on without him. It will be very difficult for you I know. I lost my husband 23 years ago and still I miss him everyday. You must be encouraged though to know that the pain of loosing him will be less in time. My prayers for your enduring strength go out to you and your family.

6. Tammy Schnell July 28, 2015, at 9:00pm

   Sorry Sis for your lose. He sure knew how to make ya laugh, tell stories to make ya laugh.. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family...So Sorry Love your Sis Tammy

7. Eleen Eversum July 28, 2015, at 3:47pm

   Our Thoughts and prayers go out to your Family..Sorry for your loss...

8. Lynne Kelton July 28, 2015, at 1:13pm

   I am so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I know he will be terribly missed by his children and grandchildren. He had such a great spirit, bright light, and fun character. May your loving memories of him help you find some solace during this difficult time. With sympathy and love to all the Kelton family. Lynne*

9. Patti Blount July 28, 2015, at 10:28am

   Sorry to hear about the passing of Bob/Robert. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time. He was a very interesting guy to chat with. He was always proud of his children and his grandchildren.

10. Marie & Joyce Berger July 28, 2015, at 9:05am

    Bob could always be seen at community events. He enjoyed being with people & it seems everyone knew him. A very special man. He will be missed. Our sympathy to all of you.

11. Bob & Picksey Watkins July 28, 2015, at 8:22am

    Carol and family Sorry to hear about Bob. You have our Sympathy.

12. john judy parr July 28, 2015, at 8:03am

    our sympathy is with you

13. Deb Machmeier July 28, 2015, at 7:24am

    To Jon and family,
    I am Tyler's great Aunt Deb (formerly Mayer). I want to let you know that your are in my thoughts and prayers. May God provide the comfort and strength to you and your family in your time of loss. Losing a parent is a hard thing to go through. I remember meeting your Dad several times years ago.
    My deepest sympathy,
    Deb Machmeier

14. Ruth Luebker July 27, 2015, at 8:53pm

    Kim and Amanda - so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a great guy and will be missed.

15. Bernie Laschinger July 27, 2015, at 7:50pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

16. Jesse Hass Family July 27, 2015, at 4:04pm

    Thinking and praying for all of you during this difficult time

17. Paula July 27, 2015, at 2:39pm

    Jon and Heather so sorry for the loss of your dad its always hard in these times sometimes I wish people would not go away so we could always have them with us but the thoughts will always be there and your love will always keep you strong until you meet again

18. Stephanie Yingst July 27, 2015, at 1:29pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of Bob to forever hold in your hearts!

19. Ed McRoberts July 27, 2015, at 12:52pm

    Condolences to Bobs family. He always would always stop to talk, regardless of what was going on. Truly a good person, father and grandfather.

20. Vicki and Don Asher July 27, 2015, at 12:43pm

    Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Several weeks ago I saw Bob out walking, something told me to pull over and visit. I drove around the block and pulled up to him and we had such a nice visit! I will miss seeing him walk past my office...he will be missed by many.

21. Jennifer Nickowski July 27, 2015, at 11:35am

    Thought and prayers to your family. I always loved Bob's smile and laugh. You are thought of today and always.

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