Calvin “Kelly” John Held Jr., passed away peacefully at Betty’s Harbor at New Perspective in West Bend on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the age of 89.

Calvin was born to Calvin Sr. and Matilda (nee Postler) Held on December 31, 1936 in West Bend, Wisconsin. Calvin has special memories of growing up and even in later years traveling with his brother William “Bill” Held.

After graduating from West Bend High School in 1955, Calvin enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years. He was stationed in Alaska and Ohio. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 483 in Allenton, Wisconsin.

He was also an honorary member of the Korean War Vets since he was the young guy who liked to help with brat fries in West Bend.

Upon returning from the Air Force, Calvin found his calling to be running Held Meat Products Inc. begun by his grandfather Adam Held in 1886. Calvin ran Held Meat Products with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic until partially retiring in his 70’s.

On February 16, 1963 he married Judy Ann Schroedel of Wisconsin Rapids at Imanuel Lutheran Church. The couple lived in the West Bend area for their entire married life. Calvin especially loved the house in rural Kewaskum that he and Judy built, where he could enjoy being outdoors and tending to his apple and pear trees.

Calvin’s family was everything to him. He loved to fire up the grill for family and friends and have a good steak. He loved to share his hobbies of collecting civil war artifacts, rocks and minerals with his children and grandchildren.

Travel was an important part of Calvin’s life. He especially loved his travels to Egypt, England, Scottland, Ireland, Europe, Hawaii and Arizona.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 63 years Judy Ann; daughter Heidi (Gerald) Shupe; son Michael; grandchildren Joshua (Megan) Shupe and Katherine Shupe; and by his brother William (Marcia) Held. He is further survived by nieces Susan McHugh, Teri Voelker and Linda Gibson and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents Calvin Sr. and Matilda Held as well as his sister-in-law Janet Mensching.

Calvin’s family would like to greet relatives at St. John’s Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095) on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 10:30am until 11:45am with a Funeral Service at 12:00pm. Private Interment with Military Honors will be at Washington County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. John’s Lutheran Church of West Bend and Living Word Highschool in Jackson.

A special thank you to the staff in Betty’s Harbor at New Perspective and the staff of Moments Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Calvin.