Mr. Eric Kelder | Eastern North Carolina Now

Born: April 23, 1929, Died: October 3, 2014

    Mr. Eric Kelder, 85, a resident of 117 Cedar Circle, Washington, NC, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2014.

    Eric was born in West Java, Indonesia on April 23, 1929. His parents were the late B.E.E. Kelder and Louise Kelder-Stroink. He was one of four children. His quiet life changed with World War II when the Kelder family was captured by the Japanese soldiers and separated into different concentration camps. He was placed in a camp in Tjemahiand and was reunited with his brother a year later. Eventually, the entire Kelder family was reunited and moved to Holland in 1947. He took his father's advice and returned to school graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1954. When he wasn't studying, he spent his spare time playing soccer and tennis, and dancing the fox-trot and tango.

    On October 6, 1956, Eric married the love of his life, Amy Huitema, in Amsterdam. Two months later the newlyweds boarded a plane and flew to the United States. He arrived in this country with a wife, one suitcase, $75 in his pocket and the determination to become a successful American citizen. Through the aid of his sponsor, he worked various jobs until he landed a job with Agrico Chemicals in New Jersey.

    In 1961, Eric became an American citizen, which was one of his proudest moments. In May 1966, Eric accepted a job with Texasgulf Inc. (presently known as Potash Corp) and he, Amy and their growing family of daughters moved to Washington, NC. Eric enjoyed a long, successful career as a chemist and was instrumental in securing many patents in phosphoric acid production. He retired in 1991.

    Eric had many hobbies throughout his life. Until his health declined, he was an avid swimmer and tennis player. He loved coaching soccer to children and teens and was part of the initial effort to introduce soccer to Washington, NC. He enjoyed listening to music, growing flowers and bird watching. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Rusty.

    Eric was a member of Mother of Mercy Catholic Church and attended Trinity Episcopal Church in recent years.

    In addition to his wife, Amy, he is survived by his daughters, Pat K. Harris and husband Jeff of Williamston, NC, Margie K. Boyd and husband Todd of Chocowinity, NC, Linda K. Jones and husband Eddie of Nashville, NC and Audrey K. Wilson and husband Jerrell of Washington, NC; his grandchildren, Michelle Hooper of Savannah, GA, Kevin Hooper of Charlotte, NC, Kristen Boyd and Eric Boyd of Chocowinity, NC, and Emily Jones and Laura Beth Jones of Nashville, NC; his great-grandson, Braxton Boyd of Chocowinity; his step-grandchildren, Cassie Harris of Williamston, NC, Lane H. Greene and husband Alex, of Raleigh, NC, and Michelle Jones of Billings, MT; his step-great grandson, Teven Jones of Nashville, NC; his sister, Ernie Schouten and husband Max of Toronto Canada; and many loving nieces and nephews in Canada and the Netherlands.

    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edwin Kelder and his sister, Maud Venema-Kelder.

    A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Chocowinity NC with Father Sonny Browne officiating. Glenn Schouten, Terry Schouten, Raymond Schouten, Bill Barber, Otto Florschutz, Tommy Horne, and Doug Mercer will serve as honorary pall bearers. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Hillside Funeral Services & Cremations, 4500 Hwy. 264 E., Washington, NC.

    Memorials may be made in Eric's memory to the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Foundation, 1209 Brown St., Washington, NC 27889, Aseracare Hospice, 112 Fire Tower Rd., Greenville, NC 28590 or Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 332, Chocowinity, NC 27817.