William M. Kelchner, age 70, of Berwick passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2025, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Born in Bloomsburg on October 21, 1955, he was the son of the late Robert C. and Alverta (Andress) Kelchner. He was a graduate of Central Columbia High School, class of 1973. Soon after graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably from 1973 to 1977. He was stationed off the coast of Saigon, and his unit was involved with the evacuation of Viet Nam. Bill was a welder employed at Merck Pharmaceuticals in Riverside, for 32 years.
Bill enjoyed blade smithing as a hobby and over the years made and repaired many knives. He also liked woodworking and carving, a trade he shared with his father. He was a “Jack of all trades” and was always tinkering on projects, building and repairing everything from furniture to motorcycles.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 49 years, Kathy A. (Fortin) Kelchner; daughter, Becky Jo Kelchner, Berwick; son, Joshua Kelchner and wife Amanda, Danville; grandchildren, Hunter and Madison Kelchner; sister, Sue Swisher and husband Steve, Bloomsburg; many nieces and nephews; and extended family.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Briar Creek Union Cemetery, Brick Church Rd, Berwick.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to his family at condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com.