David E. Kelby—loving husband, father and grandfather, strong example and mentor to many others, wise businessman, generous giver of time and talents, and, most of all, faithful child of God—went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 6, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida.

Dave was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 13, 1937. His parents, Gjert and Edna Kelby, raised Dave and his older brother George in Edina, Minnesota. He graduated from Blake High School. While attending the University of Minnesota for his undergraduate degree, Dave met the love of his life, Jinny Hubbard. They married in 1958. After graduation, Dave joined the Coast Guard, where he was stationed in Yorktown, Virginia. Once back in Minnesota, Dave furthered his education by obtaining an MBA and law degree, both from the University of Minnesota. Dave spent the majority of his career at General Mills, finishing as Senior Vice President and Treasurer. He served on numerous boards, most recently University of Northwestern St. Paul, Fairview Foundation, and Adolfson & Peterson Construction. Dave loved his local churches, Grace Church Edina (now Grace Eden Prairie) and Sanibel Community Church in Sanibel, Florida. He faithfully served the churches, serving as elder and board member. Dave served as a teaching leader at Bible Study Fellowship in Minneapolis and with Island Bible Study in Sanibel, Florida. Many will remember the Sunday morning services Dave and Jinny led at their cabin on Warner Lake. Dave’s love of others, and excellence in all of these areas of life reflects his deep faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dave leaves behind his wife and best friend of 61 years, Jinny, his brother, George (Sally) Kelby, children Kathy (Craig) Sherwood, Tom (Sarah) Kelby, and Cindy (Jeff) Engelking. Dave has nine grandchildren: Annie, Emma (Morrell), and Jack Kelby, Michael and Nicole Sherwood, and Drew, Katie, Peter and Sophie Engelking. He is survived by two great grandchildren, Lettie and Tommy Morrell.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to either of the following two ministries, both of which help children in the most vulnerable situations:

1. Home of Peace is a children’s home in Bangladesh providing food, clothing, housing, education, protection and spiritual instruction for 550 at-risk children.
2. Together for Good is a Minnesota-based ministry creating pathways for the local church to come alongside vulnerable children and families.

Gifts for the Home of Peace may be sent to: Vessels of Mercy Ministries, P.O. Box 23023, Fair Haven, MI 48023. Gifts for Together for Good (tfgood.org) may be sent to: Together for Good, 845 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

A private family graveside will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI.

Last Update: May 08, 2020 5:29 am CDT