Carl Kelpis

Carl Kelpis 83, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly from pneumonia and coronary disease complications on Monday, February 8, 2021.  Carl was born in Palsmane, Latvia and fled from communist forces to the United States with his immediate family in the early 1940s as a child.  His family immigrated through New Orleans and settled initially in Kansas before moving to their final destination in the farming community of Tomah, Wisconsin.  There, his love for sports began, and he played football, basketball and ran track.  He went on to be recruited by the University of Wisconsin to play football for a season and then was drafted into the army where he was a member of the track team, throwing the shot put and javelin.

During his time serving in the army he met his darling wife Sue at a car hop in Texas on a weekend leave.  They were married and built a life and family together for over 58 years.

Following his army service, he moved to Indiana and started learning the stone masonry business and eventually had his own business, Kelpis Masonry, for many years.  He retired to his beautiful garden in his early 60s where he spent most days enjoying the outdoors, nature, and gardening.

Carl was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and loved to share a good story, have a few laughs, watch a good basketball game (especially when his grandson played), and have a tasty meal.  He truly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.

Carl is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Peterson (Dirk) and Melissa Kelpis Houser (Alan); grandchildren, Alec Peterson and Aria Remmel (Matthew); and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Zenta; brothers, Pete and Martin; and wife, Sue.

Due to the current COVID-19 conditions there will be a private immediate family graveside service in early Spring.