Michael G. Kelker

Our beloved Polemarch, Michael G. Kelker, joined the Chapter Invisible last evening on Monday, April 27, 2009. While we knew that he was battling illness, there still is no easy way to digest this tremendous loss to the Winter Park (FL) Alumni Chapter and the entire KAPPA Family.

 

Please keep Cindy, Imani, Adam and the entire Kelker family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

If you would like to contribute a message to this thread, email your message to polemarch@winterparkkappas.com.

Please note that messges may take a little time to post.

Maurice Sawyer
Vice-Polemarch
Winter Park Alumni Chapter of
Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

Tamiko Aikens
Vice-President, Nu Iota Omega
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

This is the time, if you hadn't already, to tell your wife, your children, your friends, and other loved ones how much you love them. Give hugs and thank you's to those special people in your life. Most of all don't cheat yourself by not living life to the fullest. Be honorable, trustworthy, and optimistic in all that you do. Take time to reflect on all your blessings and the opportunities you have to BE a blessing and act upon it. This is what Mike has embodied during the time that I've known him. His spirit, aura of appreciation, and brotherly love has touched all that knew him. I implore you to take the same stance and make life's journey a worthwhile pursuit. Brother Kelker would want it no other way. Rest in Peace Mike.

Jeff Sloan

Fall’ 86 Delta Delta

The Jackson family would like to extend it's heart felt condolences to all of Brother Kelker's Family and others who feel his loss. We know that there are no words that we can express to lessen your pain and loss, but rest assured our prayers and thoughts are with each of you.

Brother Kelker was a wonderful man and leader. He will be remembered for his positive contributions to the fraternity and this world, especially those less fortunate.

Brother Kevin L. Jackson & Family (Karen, Kevin Jr, Tiffany, Zack & Katrina)
Winter Park Alumni Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brothers,
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share with you the unfortunate news that Brother Michael Kelker, Polemarch of the Winter Park Alumni Chapter, entered the Chapter Invisible last evening. As you may know, Brother Kelker was battling a long illness; however, there still is no easy way to digest this tremendous loss to the KAPPA Family.

Our prayers are with the family of Brother Kelker during these most challenging times.

   Yours in the Bond,

   Ronald E. Range

The Humphery family would like to send their condolences and our prayers are with you. To everyone hug your children and tell the one that you love "I love you" everyday.

God Bless

RICK HUMPHERY

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Kelker.  While at Jackson State, I knew him as being a quiet and VERY courteous gentleman.  May God bless each member of his family during this time and know that he will be remembered.   Cynthia Mosley Lockhart JSU Class of 1982

Michael Kelker was a Wonderful Person. He was a very dear friend. I will miss him immensely . Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart. Despite all of the heartbreak, I know that he would want us to all to keep going and enjoy life, just as he did. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God Bless You and help you through this very difficult time.

Lillian Campbell-Wynn

Your heart is hurting and your life is filled with sorrow. Please know that as time passes, you will become joyous and remember your good times with Mike. My prayers are with all of you.

L. Michelle Woods, Nu Iota Omega
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorroity, Inc.

Dear Brothers, Silhouettes, Greeks and Friends,

Services for our Polemarch, Michael G. Kelker are as follows:

Friday, May 1, 2009
Kappa Memorial Service – (Closed for Members of Kappa Alpha Psi only)
6:15 pm

Golden's Funeral Home, Inc
210 N Pennsylvania Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 740-6784?



Public Viewing
7:00 to 8:00 pm

Golden's Funeral Home Inc
210 N Pennsylvania Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 740-6784?


Saturday, May 2, 2009
Burial Ceremony – (Kappa Alpha Psi service open to public; once ceremony begins no one will be seated until conclusion of ceremony)

10:15 am
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
311 E Broadway Street
Oviedo, Florida 32765
Phone:(407) 365-5341
http://www.antioch-mbc.org/index.html



Funeral Services
11:00 am
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
311 E Broadway Street
Oviedo, Florida 32765
Phone:(407) 365-5341

Please visit our chapter’s website to send or view messages as well as see our photo collection of Polemarch Kelker:

http://winterparkkappas.com/

If you have any questions please call me at 407-761-1990.

Regards,

Maurice D. Sawyer
Vice-Polemarch
Winter Park (FL) Alumni Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc

To the Kelker Family and the Brothers of the Winter Park Chapter

Brother Michael Kelker was a good friend to me and my entire family and we will all miss him dearly. My family and I spent much time with Mike and his entire family in fellowship and good cheer over the years, he touched all of our lives in his way and we will all miss him dearly...

The Vaughn Family would like to leave this prayer for the Kelker Family...

Dear Father God,

We thank you Lord for bringing Michael Kelker and his family into our lives. God, we thank you for blessing us with the friendship that the Kelkers brought to our family. God, we know that you, the one who sees all, knows all and can do all things, will help the Kelker family as they deal with the pain of losing their son, husband and father. God we ask that you embrace them and cover them and help them to see what joy lies at the end of their sorrow because we know that in you, all things work together for the greater good! We praise you and ask you to lift them up, protect them and help them to be strong for each other as they go through the weeks ahead. Help Cindy to know that she will always have you as the head of her home and that her children will always have you as their father, leading and guiding them through all of life's challenges. May they be strengthened by their FAITH in YOU, Lord and may everything happen according to your will, in your son Jesus' name we pray, AMEN.

Eugene Vaughn & Family

The Lusaka Family sends our heartfelt condolences to Cindy, Imani and Adam. Mike’s brotherhood and friendship will always be with us. Much love to you Brother.

Phi Nupe,

Patrick Lusaka
Beta Chi - Spring 88

Mike Kelker was one of the first Kappas that I met and got close to at Winter Park Alumni Chapter. See we had a joint friend, Brother Darren Leach who also pledged at Delta Delta at Jackson State University. Because of Darren I visited Jackson State for Homecoming many years before I moved to Florida and had a wonderful time with a chapter of Brothers that were hospitable and impressive. Mike was indicative of that chapter. Being no different, we often discussed and reminisced about those days.

Mike used to show up at Louis Defrietas's house often, being on the East Side. Louis would normally carry the fight or any other excuse to open his home graciously to not only Frat but to others. Mike was always there. Just to talk, have a glass, and connect with others. I looked forward to Louis events not only because of Brother Defrietas's hospitality but I know that Mike with his distinctive laugh would be there. We often discussed the IT industry and he was always interested in what questions I had, and what I was doing as an erstwhile entrepreneur. He offered advice and was a real friend when I needed to bounce a question off a really refined and trusted ear.

Mike would also often come by to hear me perform. I once performed right around the corner from his home and he was there when no other brother showed up. He has come to my home many times for my yearly performance event. He has been one that loved listening to music as much as I like to perform it. He was always in my corner and that has meant and still means so much to me.

Michael Kelker was and is everything that a good Friend, Brother, and Supporter could be. I remember several years ago, he took a brief hiatus from active Fraternity life so that he could take care of his family and position. Going through Chief Information Officer School took mad amounts of time. I remember me calling him asking why he was not in the Frat meetings lately. He quickly checked me, (and Very well), and let me know that he was taking care of what he needs to at this time, and when the time was right and he could be committed, he would be more active. He lived up to that word.

Serving for Polemarch all of these years and with the help of a great group of brothers, Mo Sawyers especially, he did come back and take the chapter to the level of Chapter Of The Year.

He set a standard of service that was so very powerful when you think about it. Having his medical issues, he still stayed involved and active when others, including myself especially, would have exited active Fraternity life and spent time away. His example causes me to reevaluate my position about commitment to this great Clan.

My time of haitus is about over and I am coming back. I hope that at some point I can show enough commitment to even touch the coattails of Mike Kelker.

In closing, My Thoughts of my family, Andrea and I, Erly 4, and Janelle are with the Kelker Family and anything we can do, we will.

Yours Sincerely

Erly J Thornton III
2-Beta Phi~Mu Rho-SP86

The Humphery family sends their condolences and our prayers are with you.
Psalms 71:5 "You are my hope Lord in You I trust on you I depend".

Mike was a true gentlemen, he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God bless you and keep you.

Antonyatt A. D. Hill
Delta Mu Sigma
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

All Greeks,
The brothers of the Winter Park (FL) Alumni Chapter would like to request that all Greek organizations, that are attending the funeral services on Saturday, May 2, 2009, wear two looped ribbons in the colors representing your organization in honor of the passing of our sitting Polemarch. We are planning to have a designated area for all of the Greek organizations to sit during the services.

If you have any questions please call me at 407-761-1990.

I would like to give my sincerest condolences to the Kelker family, and the WPAC family for their recent loss. Upon moving to Orlando in 2002, and joining the WPAC, Mike was one of the many brothers that welcomed me with open arms. Although I moved in 2005, I always still felt an attachment to that chapter as a result of his and others hospitality, and continue to do so. Mike was always a "lead by example" brother, and I remember him discussing numerous ideas that he had for the chapter, many of which were implemented in later years during his tenure as polemarch. He was a true example of not just a Kappa brother, but a man and has definitely left a positive mark on people who had the pleasure of knowing him. While his transition leaves us sad....his life should be celebrated.

Alex Northington
Murfreesboro (TN) Alumni - Summer 96

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain. The friend who could be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who could stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who could tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.

Brother Michael Kelker was that fraternity brother, co-worker and friend for me, and everyday I will miss him.

In closing, My Thoughts and Prayers of my family, Marnita, Michael II, Erica and I, are with the Kelker Family.

Yours Sincerely

Brother Michael Harris

I’m sorry to learn about the passing of your Fraternity brother Michael Kelker. This reminds us of how fragile and unpredictable life is. We should not take it for granted and live worthily of God’s grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelker family. Please kindly send our condolences to Michael’s family for us.

Respectfully,

Tom, Roxane and family.

To the Kelker Family and on behalf of the Orlando (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, I extend sincere condolences. Brother Kelker was one of the “good guys” in the fraternity and was deeply devoted to Phi Nu Pi. He always acted in the best interest of Kappa and was an outstanding model for each of us. I pray that your hearts and souls find peace and comfort.

“May the roads rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rain fall soft upon your fields…and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

With deepest sympathy,

 

Nate Stephens
Polemarch
Orlando (FL) Alumni Chapter

Ms Kelker & Family,

I wish to express my deepest sympathy and my prayers are with you and family. It was with great pleasure I got the chance to meet Michael, as he was a wonderful and self-assured man. He always had a smile on his face, no matter the situation. He will be greatly missed!

Briggitte Herbert

Michael Kelker was a good person. He was an excellent Supervisor and a friend to me at PEO STRI and because of his encouragement to return to Huntsville, I have been truly blessed. I will miss him. My condolences go out to his wife, children, and to the rest of his family. I know that God will continue to bless his family. I thank God for letting Michael come into my life for a period. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God Bless you and help you through this very difficult time.

Carolyn V. Burt
Huntsville, AL

Michael was a colleague from the IT department and a friend. We were able to share thoughts with each other and provide feedback. Even after my retirement, we continued to meet intermittently for lunch. While at the IT department in STRICOM, he was always on top of his game. He knew his programs and how to get them implemented in a timely manner. I was always impressed by the way he dressed. I was glad to have been able to visit him in the hospital, but I did not know it was a good-bye.
Michael's suffering is over and he is watching over his family.

Joe Balbona
Orlando, FL

Brenda Yates
Document Management
             Cindy, Imani, Adam, this is your cousin Brenda, I loved Michael also, God will keep his arms around each of you and keep you strong. I love you all  Brenda

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 

YITB

 

Detective Eric L. DeBose

Orange County Sheriff's Office

You have our condolence for your loss of a loved one and my Brother Polemarch.

Attorney Joseph Morrell and Family.

Passing of our beloved Polemarch

 

Dr Martin Luther King once stated: "The measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy". Michael always stood tall. He was and is a role model for all of us who whine and complain about little things. The brothers of WPAC of Kappa Alpha Psi miss you and hope and pray that you are currently chartering a chapter in Heaven.

Grover Crawford
WPAC, Fall 99

As a JSU alumni, my sincerest condolence and prayers go out to the Kelker family. May God bless you through this difficult time.

Yakoki(THANK YOU)!

Jerry Darby
Senior Buyer
Applied Geo Technologies, Inc.

I would like to send my condolences to the family of Brother Polemarch, Michael G. Kelker. Brother Polemarch was everything Kappa and this world needs more of. He was a great leader, faithful and a hard worker. I am grateful to have been a part of his legacy in some capacity. I will continue to pray that God gives Cindy, Imani and Adam the strength as they go through this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Leonard M. Edwards, II

Brothers All,

 

Please pass on to the Kelker Family that Brother Kelker will be missed. For the time that I knew him, I always found him to be an extremely intelligent and humble Brother and always represented all that Kappa Alpha Psi embodies. We at the West Palm Beach Alumni Chapter extend our heartfelt wishes to the chapter and the Kelker family (Cindy, Imani, Adam and Parents)!

 

Together We Rise,

 

H. Shane Darrisaw

Managing Partner -Empowerment Consortium

SLJ Consulting

To the Family and brothers of Michael Kelker,

I would like to send my condolences to all of you during this trying time.  My thoughts and prayers will be everyone, but I am sure that the good brother would want you to be strong.  May GOD bless you.

 

YITB,

 

Kristopher Mumford (Alpha Xi 2003)

Jacksonville Alumni Chapter

Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

Dear Fellow Greeks,  

The brothers of the Winter Park (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and I would like to thank the Orlando Area Greek Community that supported our chapter in any way that you did, in giving our Polemarch, Michael G. Kelker, the home going the was befitting a man of his position, character, and love for Kappa. Thank you for the many calls, emails, cards, floral arrangements and to those that came to the services on Friday and Saturday. 

Again, the brothers thank you for your continued support during our time of transition.  


Regards,  
Maurice D. Sawyer
Vice-Polemarch
Winter Park (FL) Alumni Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

I would like to offer my heartfelt condolence to the Kelker family during this time of bereavement. I would just like to tell the family your husband, your dad was truly a God fearing man whose heart  was always in the right place when it came to helping out his fellow man.  It was a blessing to have met Brother Kelker, who reached out to my family when there was no one else.  I can’t thank him enough!

To the Brothers’ and the Vice Polemarch of the chapter you have some Big shoes to fill and I wish you all well in your endeavors, please don’t lose the vision Brother Michael ‘Billy Dee’ Kelker set forth for this chapter.

Achievement!

YITB,

Frederick K. Jones

Delta Delta Spr 91

Belleville-O’Fallon,IL Alumni

It is with great sadness that I write back to my old Alumni Chapter on this occassion; but, I would find it wrong not to reach out to the brothers at this time. You do not realize how much time has gone by until such an event has happen. Brother Kelker's kindness has reached other brothers from far away and I just wanted to send our heart filled prayers out to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.

YitB,
Al Phillips, Esq.

To: The Kelker Family
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I am happy to have had the opportunity to meet a become friends with Mike. He exemplified the true meaning of friendship in every facet of personal and professional lifestyle. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Mac Baker

Mac Baker
Logistics Management Specialist
Integrated-Military Operation Urban Terrain (MOUT) Training

We were devastated when we learned of your passing. Your presence will be missed by your immediate family as well as by others. You were such a wonderful person growing up in our community and I am sure that your light was showed to others during your adulthood years.

Carolyn M. Higgins, Ph.D.

Research Associate
Jackson State University
Office of Academic Affairs/Student Life