Obituary: Leon Kel Kellum

Dec. 1, 1943 – Jan. 29, 2024

Leon Kel Kellum, age 80, of Ellison Bay, died on Jan. 29, 2024.

He was born on Dec. 1, 1943, to the late Alva (Muller) and Hubert “Kel” Kellum in Chicago. He graduated from Chicago Vocational High School. After high school, he worked for Illinois Bell as a Telephone Installer. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1970. He attended and graduated from the University of Illinois with his bachelor’s degree in information technology.  He worked for Navistar in computers and information technology. He retired from Navistar in 2013.

On Aug. 10, 1996, Leon was united in marriage to Marguerite Grace Dalton. She preceded him in death on Oct. 15, 2023. The couple lived in many places including Arlington Hts. Illinois, Sister Bay, and Vero Beach, before moving to Ellison Bay.

Leon enjoyed archery, downhill and cross-country skiing, and scuba diving. He loved to travel with Marguerite, and they went to Mexico, France, England, and their favorite destination, Vail, Colorado. He was a volunteer at Northern Sky Theater.

Leon is survived by his sister, Ellen Goodrich, of Mokena, Illinois; stepson, Ian Smith; sisters-in-law, Kathleen “Kathy” (Tim) Dalton Healy of Minneapolis, Barbara (James L. Martin III) Martin of Vero Beach, FL; brother-in-law, James (Sharon) Dalton of Vero Beach. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite Dalton, mother, Alva Armstrong and brother-in-law, Bill Goodrich.

Leon’s family would like to thank the staff at Cherry Cove Assisted Living for their excellent care.

A celebration of life will be held for Leon at a later date.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Sunshine House Sturgeon Bay and Wisconsin Humane Society–Door County Campus.

Huehns Funeral Home is assisting the Kellum family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Leon may be shared with his family through his tribute page at caspersonfuneralhome.com.