MONONA - David “Dave” Thomas Kelley, age 69, of Monona, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Monona surrounded by all his daughters. He was born on Nov. 26, 1952, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Tom and Ginnie (Ottoson) Kelley.

Dave graduated from Saint Edmond High School in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended Rockhurst University and Iowa State University.

After he became ill with kidney disease as a teenager, Dave received a kidney transplant in 1978 which lasted him until 2020 when he started dialysis. 42 years is quite remarkable to live with a donor kidney, and he saw every day as a blessing. In Dave’s own words, he’s “been outrunning disease for 50 years!”

He lived in Iowa, Kansas and Wisconsin throughout his life and most recently worked as an insurance claims adjuster for Madison National Life before retiring in February 2020. He was a member of the Wisconsin Society of Automotive Historians.

Dave was a very thoughtful and loving person and he loved his family deeply. He will be fondly remembered for his passion for cars, automobilia, classic/antique boats and nature; and the immense joy his grandkids brought to him.

Dave is survived by his three sisters, Pat Kelley, Peggy (Craig) Murphy and Sheila (Mark) Osman; three daughters, Erin (Andy Bober) Kelley Bober, Sara Fraser and Katie (Eric) Ennocenti; five grandchildren, Hattie, Avery, Cleo, Brynn and Julius; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ginnie Kelley.

Everywhere he went, Dave’s positive attitude and warm presence touched others.

Dave's family would like to express gratitude to UW Hospitals and Clinics, Fresenius Kidney Care Dialysis Center, Brighton Hospice and Heritage Senior Living for their excellent care.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022. Brunch will follow. Per family request, masks will be required.

Memorials may be gifted in David’s name to the following organizations or another charity of choice: The Sisters of Loretto (Kentucky), Second Harvest Food Bank (Madison) and UW Health Impact Fund (Madison). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

David Thomas Kelley

November 26, 1952 - June 07, 2022

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