David Allen Kelbert

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of David Kelbert. David was born in Swan River, MB to Lydia and Herb Kelbert. Most of his early days he resided at the farm site south of Minitonas. David developed his mechanical ability there and became an excellent and passionate heavy-duty mechanic with an aptitude in most trades.

David started his mechanical apprenticeship in Flin Flon, MB where he met his future wife Sheila. David & Sheila were married on August 24, 1972 in Edmonton, AB

After the wedding, Sheila and David moved to Winnipeg where David accepted a Mechanics position at Greyhound and later Midwest Detroit Diesel Their children, Scott was born in 1973 and Chris was born in1977.

During their time in Winnipeg, Sheila & David would travel back & forth to Minitonas to farm.  In the summer of 1979, they decided to permanently relocate back to the Valley to raise their family.  Along with farming, David worked in the bush with Siewert Concrete and as a mechanic for  Ford, New Holland and John Deere where he was very passionate about the green equipment.  The family farm created a lot of great learnings and memories, and David was able to pass this onto  his boys. The great memories included quadding, hunting and fishing trips in which his sons, brothers, nephews, nieces and close friends participated in and was commonly a biannual event. The annual river mud fight was always something to look forward to.  David and Sheila did some travelling and there were trips to the US, Expo 86, Vegas vacations, the Maritimes and a few trips to Mexico in which they enjoyed.  In his later years David had  a lot of pride for his grandchildren Cassidy (23), Lauren (20), Everett (18), McKenna (16), and Nolan (13).  Christmases were always fun at the Kelbert household and it was usually David waking everyone up at 4:00am.

He is survived by his sons Scott (Jennifer), East Selkirk, MB; Chris (Alana), Spruce Grove, AB and his grandchildren Cassidy, Lauren, Everett, McKenna & Nolan. David is also survived by his two brothers Walter (Holly) Kelbert, Gary (Shelley) Kelbert and two sisters Betty (Doug) Cole and Sharon (Bill) Barnes as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life is planned at the family farm on Aug 10, 2024 starting at 4:00pm.  This will be a casual event where we can share some stories and jokes like David wanted. The family will have a tent set up and Food and drinks will be provided.  Please bring some lawn chairs. Internment to follow at a later date.

The family would also like to thank the numerous friends, neighbors and home care that helped out and checked in on David on a regular basis.