Kalil Brahame Ajram

Kalil Brahame Ajram

Cedar Rapids

Kalil Ajram, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

In agreement with his wishes, and in accordance with his religious requirements, a burial service was held on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids located at 2999 1st Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, where family and friends are invited to meet from 3 pm – 5 pm.

Kalil was born on May 15, 1937 in Jib Janine, Lebanon, the son of Ibrahim and Cherife Ajram (Dasouki). His mother died when he was 3 months old. Upon her passing, he was then raised by his father and his stepmother, Miriam.

Kalil left his family at the age of 19 to start his dream as an independent business owner and enterpreneur in Colombia, South America. His business ventures would eventually bring him to reside in Cedar Rapids where he met Allea Omar, with whom he raised his children, along with his extended family and a community that he would embrace with his kind-hearted and giving approach that led many to his business and his home to share meals, coffee, or treats.

Kalil married Allea Ajram (Omar) on Aug. 17, 1969 and together they would reside in Cedar Rapids for the duration of his life.

While working a couple of odd jobs, Kalil decided to enroll in an upholstery class at Kirkwood Community College and then opened his business, Ajram Upholstery, in 1969 in what would become a life-long endeavor and passion until the day of his passing.

His business was more than a business, as evidenced by the number of relationships he built and the constant memories created and shared with those who frequented Ajram Upholstery, from the mail service carriers, city workers, customers, and many others who became a part of his daily life.

His unwavering love and care for others, his light-hearted personality, his constant urge to share laughter, and his genuine appreciation for the time people shared with him, will be remembered as part of his legacy.

Kalil will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Allea Ajram (Omar), his children Abraham & Karen Ajram (Hartmann), Bill & Michelle Ajram (Naso), Karime Ajram, Mona (Ajram) & Sultan Hatamleh, and Jamel & Ulyssa Ajram (Rivera), along with 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family including his brothers and sisters and many close relatives within various communities in the USA, Canada, Colombia, Brazil and Lebanon.

In lieu of flowers, sentiments or memorials in Kalil’s name may be directed to: Allea Ajram, 722 6th Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.