David Kettlewell 03/18/2026

David Richard Kettlewell, passed through the veil at home on March 18, 2026. Born on July 7, 1949, in Wiesbaden, Germany, the son of Donald Arthur and Grace Elizabeth (Hooper) Kettlewell. David was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend to many.

David’s journey through life was filled with adventure and service. His father’s Air Force career brought the family to various bases during his childhood, but it was his own calling that led him to enlist in the Navy shortly after his 18th birthday. Serving from 1967 to 1975, he was proud to be a radio man, spending four of those years on Guam. It was during a leave in 1973 that he met the love of his life, Vicky Rae Laird. Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to a beautiful wedding just 13 days later, on August 13, 1973.

Together, David and Vicky built a life filled with love and laughter, raising their son, Jason, with joy. David enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Federal Prison employee and later an INS Deportation Officer, retiring at the age of 50. They spent 40 wonderful years on their 128-acre tree farm in Sandstone, Minnesota, where they cherished nature and each other’s company.

David was preceded in death by his parents; brother Mark S Kettlewell; sister- in-Law Diane Denise (Gregg) Kettlewell; Niece Laura Kettlewell; his father-in-Law Cecil Rex Laird, mother-in-law Nancy (Marchant) Laird; brother-in-law David Harlow DeVol Jr, great niece Anya DeVol; nephew Joey (Ivey) Laird.

David leaves behind his beloved wife, Vicky (Laird) Kettlewell, and son, Jason R. Kettlewell, along with daughter-in-law Agnieszka (Koziolek) Kettlewell; and grandchildren Madeline Adrianna Kettlewell, Grandson Luke Anthony Kettlewell who brought him immense pride and joy; sister, Penelope “Penny” Kettlewell; sister-in-law SueAnn DeVol; brothers-in-law Gary (Caroline)Laird and Martin (Kathy)Laird and other nieces and nephews

In life, David cherished simple moments and the love of family. Following his wishes, there will be no formal services. Instead, he will be honored with a burial at sea by the US Navy. His legacy of kindness and love will carry on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.