David A. Kankelfitz

David A. Kankelfitz, age 50, of Fargo, ND passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center, surrounded by his family. For thirteen months, Dave survived a very rare and aggressive form of Leukemia, thanks in part to his son Nathan’s generous gift of his stem cells.

David Al Kankelfitz was born on August 20, 1968 in Fargo to Alfred and Elizabeth (Nielsen) Kankelfitz. He was a true hometown boy who grew up in Fargo and lived there his whole life. Dave attended several South side area schools, graduating from Fargo South High School in 1987. He attended North Dakota State University, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. While at NDSU, he met his one true love, Pennie (whom he lovingly referred to as Penelope). They dated for four years and were married on May 7, 1994. They had one son, Nathan, of whom Dave was so proud. Dave worked in Fargo throughout his career, spending many years at Robert Gibb & Sons, Inc., and most recently at Johnstone Supply, where he was a proud member of the Johnstone family.

Dave enjoyed keeping himself busy; he especially loved his work and was a dedicated employee. In his free time, he loved watching his favorite sports teams, riding motorcycles, driving fast cars, spending time at the lake, and surrounding himself with his family and friends. Dave enjoyed attending and supporting all of Nathan’s school and sport activities, including coaching his baseball team. A member of the Moorhead Masonic Lodge, he was also heavily involved with his church. He was a lifelong member of Olivet Lutheran Church, where he especially enjoyed being a member of the Young Couples Club. Dave’s faith never wavered from God, and his view on life was always positive. He loved spending time with his friends and co-workers, and he loved his family dearly, especially Pennie and Nathan, whom he loved more than anything.

Dave leaves behind his wife, Pennie; son, Nathan; mother, Betty Kankelfitz; father-in-law, Donald Clark; mother-in-law, Betty Clark (and her friend Jim Rix); brother-in-laws, Paul (Wendi) Clark and Peter Clark; nephews, Logan and Grant; nieces, Dannilynn and Chyenne; uncle, Larry (Carol) Nielsen; aunts, Bev (Seth) Twichell and Rose Marie Stark; and many cousins, close friends, and coworkers.

Dave is greeted in heaven by his father, Alfred; and many aunts, uncles, and family members.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, with a visitation one hour before the service. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service starting at 7:00 P.M. at Olivet Lutheran Church. Inurnment will take place at 4:30 P.M. at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.