LaVerne H. Kelch

LaVerne H. Kelch, of Sevierville, passed away Monday, August 26, 2002 at St. Mary’s Hospice Care in Knoxville. He was born June 29, 1914 in Clark County, Wisconsin. A resident of Sevier County since 1965, he was the founder of the Pigeon Forge KOA, a member of the Gatlinburg Rotary Club and a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg. His wife of 66 years, Gladys, and his son, Richard G. “Dick” Kelch, preceded him in death. Survivors: Sister: Elaine Karnthaler of Centerville, OH Son and daughter-in-law: Frederick “Rick” Kelch and Sheila Kelch of Waterloo, IL Daughter-in-law: Carolyn S. “Ann” Kelch of Pigeon Forge, TN Grandsons: Eric Kelch and wife Leslie of Pigeon Forge, TN; David Kelch and wife Becky of Chicago, IL Granddaughter: Heather A. Kelch of Knoxville,TN Sister-in-law: Rose Turnmire and husband Doug of Waukesha, WI Niece: Barbara Ganschow and husband Frank of Centerville,OH Nephews: Bruce Melius and wife Heidi of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Tom Niedercorn and wife Jean of North Prairie, WI He will be sadly missed by his friends and loved ones. Funeral service 6 PM Wednesday at Atchley’s Smoky Mountain Chapel in Pigeon Forge with Pastor Arne Walker officiating. Interment will follow in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 4-6 PM Wednesday at Atchley’s Smoky Mountain Chapel, 220 Emert Street, Pigeon Forge, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 511, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 or the American Heart Association at Baptist Hospital, Knoxville, TN.