Dr. David Kelsheimer

Dr. David Kelsheimer
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Dr. David L. Kelsheimer, D.D.S., 69, of Belleville, IL, born July 16, 1946, in Paris, IL, died Sunday, November 1, 2015, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Dr. Kelsheimer graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign, earned a D.D.S. degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago Dental School in 1970, and finished his graduate training in periodontics at the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1975, after serving three years as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.  He started a periodontics practice in Belleville, Periodontics of Southern Illinois, in 1975, and served as an instructor in Advanced Education for General Dentistry (AEGD) at Southern Illinois University Dental School in Alton.  He opened Kelsheimer Periodontics in Maryville in 2004.  Over the years, he also worked twice as a dental missionary in Belize.  He retired from practicing dentistry in December 2014.

David was a member of the St. Clair County and Madison County Dental Societies and St. Clair Country Club.  He considered his staff part of his family.  He enjoyed playing golf and attending sporting events with family and friends.  His hobbies included photography, gardening, duck carving, and travel, but one of his simplest enjoyments was laying on the floor watching television with his Boxer dog next to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra Russell and Louise Georgianna, nee English, Kelsheimer.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Phyllis A., nee Pietrini, Kelsheimer, whom he married on October 11, 1969;
two brothers, Don (Judy) Kelsheimer of Casey, IL,
and Jim (Jane) Kelsheimer of Greensburg, IN;
a sister, Joanna (Mike) Christopher of Gorham, IL;
his mother-in-law, Patrina Pietrini of Chicago, IL;
a brother-in-law, Anthony (Judy) Pietrini of Phoenix, AZ;
a sister-in-law, Wendy (Stefano) Chiarello of Chicago, IL;
nieces and nephews, Peter Pietrini (fiancee, Laura Krasny), Gina (Bill) Morici,
Jerry (Julie) Kelsheimer, Brad (Katrina) Kelsheimer, Jeff (Karen) Kelsheimer,
Sara (Jarad) Champion, and John (Samantha) Christopher;
and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society, 1301 South 11th Street, Belleville, IL  62226.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2015, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2015, at the funeral home.

Condolences Left For Dr. David Kelsheimer

I’m so saddened to learn of David’s death. We were good friends during high school and many of my fondest memories include David. My mother was his teacher at Horacr School so I was aware of David’s gifts of intelligence and wit early on through her memories as well. Although I have not seen David for most of our adult lives, he was part of my best memories of life in Paris and it is sad. I can only imagine the tremendous loss to your family! Please accept my most sincere condolences!
Joy Perisho

Joy Perisho, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302


Please accept my sincerest condolences on Dave’s passing. I have so many happy memories of spending time with him during our high school and U of I days. May God bless him and all the family at this time of sorrow.

Jim Valerine, Pewaukee, WI, 53072


Sorry for your loss. We attended grade school(Crestwood) and high school together. Last memory I have of David was at a birthday party for Paul Cheatham. David gave me a hundred dollar bill(fake). I could never say he didn’t give me something.

Martha Fox, Paris, il, 61944


Our sincere condolences on the passing of David. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Phyllis and his parents. The memories you have will keep him alive in your heart and thoughts. He has passed on to a better place and is at peace.

Bob and Angie Valentini, Chandler, AZ, 85286


I am a friend of David’s sister, Joanna. I was privileged to meet David and Phyllis on several occasions. Joanna always talked about David and the advice he would give her. He really was her rock. I am very sorry for your loss. Please hold his memory close to your heart.

Sue Gindlesparger, Murphysboro, Illinois, 62966


Dear Phyllis,
I was so sorry to hear the news of Dave’s passing. The world got a little more dull without his bright shining smile, laughter and jokester ways. I still remember visiting you in St. Louis when we were younger, and watching Dave and my dad relive the glory days of dental school. I’m sure there are many stories I probably don’t need to hear. I’m thankful I got to see him one last time at the reunion. Big hugs prayers to you. xoxo.
Love, Debby Pietrini Robertson

Debby Pietrini Robertson, Downers Grove, IL, 60515-4331


Phyllis and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Dave’s death, please accept our deepest sympathy. Dave’s
presence in the room was always known as his smile
lit it up. We were proud to be associated with Dave on the original Bank of Belleville Board of Directors and grateful for his contributions. I was with him the day he broke 80 for the first time at St. Clair C.C. We
all signed the score card and it was framed and presented to him later, it was truly a happy day for him. Dave made many friends during his life, I am pleased to have been one.
Best Regards,
Vicky and Terry Schaefer

Terry Schaefer, Anna Maria, Fl., 34216


Toni and I were saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I was a dental school classmate oF Dave’s and lived next door for 2 years. Toni was a classmate and roomate, of Phyllis. I remember Dave as always worrying about a test, or project, of some sort and always coming out on top. Dave was just a good guy and I am so sorry he left us too soon.

Dr. Stephen Miller, Metropolis, Illinois, 62960


Phyllis and Family,
Sorry to hear the news about Dave.
I loved the guy and his humor and outlook on life. Sometimes we even talked about dentistry,but usually golf.
He was the kind of person who could make a tough day at the office sound like pleasure.
Marsha and I send our sincere condolences.

Dr. Bruce Thackrey, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, 62864


I am one of many patients that admired his delightful approach to life. This a great loss for many and
I will always remember him fondly.

marla case runge, collinsville , illinois, 62234


Phyllis and family,

My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Dave was a great
person with a great personality. He will be missed.

Linda Torringa, Highland, IN, 46322

Condolences:

1 Comment on Dr. David Kelsheimer

Richard Call said : Guest Report Jul 26, 2020 at 1:48 PM

What a great guy Dave was. His dorm room was next to mine at U of I in 1965, and for my birthday that year he called the local radio station and had them play "The Elks Parade" for me, a wonderful touch that I'll never forget. He put Paris, IL on the map for all of us in the dorm.

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