Rev. Daniel Allen Kelin

Rev. Daniel Allen Kelin NORTH SPRINGFIELD, VT — Rev. Daniel Allen Kelin, 89, of North Springfield, Vermont, passed away quietly on August 17th surrounded by family. His health deteriorated quickly in the final few weeks, but he was able to remain at home with those who cared deeply for him. Known as Dan, or sometimes Big Dan, to those who loved and admired him, he was born the second of three sons to John and Selma Kelin in St. Louis, MO. He joined the military soon after starting college and served a short stint in Germany near the end of the Korean War. The military played a meaningful role in his life. He served as the Army National Guard Head Chaplain for the state of Vermont, annually placing a presidential July 4th birthday wreath on Calvin Coolidge’s grave, and he retired as a full Colonel. After the Korean War, Dan attended Kalamazoo College, where he met and married Ruth, his wife of 64 years. Dan decided to pursue a career in the ministry, citing his love of history. That choice made his parents quite proud. The newlyweds moved to California where Dan attended seminary school. Dan held positions at churches in both Michigan and Vermont and was a sought-after substitute for several churches. Over his lifetime, Dan also served as a volunteer fireman and ambulance driver, and even as an apple-picker for a season. Late in his career, Dan became a school teacher, starting a drama program he was quite proud of at Windsor Junior High School in Windsor, VT. Teaching, he said, was his favorite job. Dan is survived by his deeply cherished wife, Ruth; his children, Daniel II, Deborah, David and Cesar; his younger brother Ken; grandchildren Alex, Amanda, Chris, Scott, Eric and DJ and great grandchildren. Dan was predeceased by his daughter, Mandy, his grandson, Bradley, and his older brother, Jack. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, VT from 5:00-7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amanda S. Kelin Memorial Scholarship Fund, SHS Alumni Association, 13 Fairground Road, Springfield, Vermont 05156. https://www.shsalumni.com/scholarships. Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.