Barbara Lynn Kelderman

Barbara Lynn Kelderman, 84, of Des Moines, Iowa, slipped quietly into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Barb was born October 1, 1938 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to Luther and Martha Lemke. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and was a graduate of Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa. There she met her husband, Melvyn Kelderman. They were married in 1957 and their marriage was blessed with two children, Debbie and Tim. Together, she and her family served as missionaries with Open Bible Churches in Trinidad, West Indies. Following her service in missions, Barb and her family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where she served in a variety of capacities at Dayton Bible College. Later, along with Mel and son Tim, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1979 where she served at her alma mater, Open Bible College.

After Mel passed away in 1983, Barb served as office administrator at the Central Region office of Open Bible Churches until her retirement.

Barb had a heart for missions, was a faithful prayer warrior, and dedicated her life to the ministry. She enjoyed a good laugh, a good meal, and spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

Barb is survived by her daughter Debra (Mark) Culham of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; son Timothy (Julie) Kelderman of Omaha, Nebraska; brother Roger Umland of Elk Point, South Dakota; grandson David (Lydia) Culham of Waterloo, Iowa; grandson Philip (Jen) Culham of Grinnell, Iowa; grandson Ben Kelderman of Omaha, Nebraska; grandson Brent (Sara) Kelderman of Omaha, Nebraska: great-grandchildren Joe, Lilly, Jacob, Drew, Josh, Ali, Brynn, and Josie. Also survived by sisters-in-law, Irene Draper and Edna Jones, both of Des Moines, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Melvyn Kelderman; and her parents.
The family would like to thank the staff, nurses, and caregivers at Calvin Community, Mom’s home for the last two years, for their care of Mom and for allowing Debbie and Tim to stay with her during her final days.

We also thank UnityPoint Hospice for their care of Mom as she traveled the last mile of the way.

Mom requested that memorial contributions go to Open Bible High School, San Fernando, Trinidad. Make checks to: Open Bible Churches, with memo line of “Kelderman Memorial”.

Mail contributions to:

Open Bible Churches
c/o Kelderman Memorial
2020 Bell Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50315

Should you choose to send flowers, please send them directly to:

New Hope Assembly of God
4425 70th Street
Urbandale, Iowa 50322

*Deliveries will be received anytime after 8:30am Thursday at the main church office at the east entrance

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