Kallen Shawn Felrath

life story

Our Kalpie

Here's Kal sitting in his favorite spot in the bus -- on the upper bunk so he was high enough to see out the windshield!

About Kal

Kallen Shawn Felrath was born on June 29th, 1964 in Minneapolis. When Kallen was little, he spent many fun days at his grandparents’ farm near Mankato. While he was growing up, our family had an old 1943 camper bus in which we traveled all over the U.S. and Canada. We visited Los Angeles, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and Banff, Canada where 6-year-old Kallen walked on a glacier. In junior high, Kallen was the star of the track team, winning the district championship run of 1 ½ miles. He came in 28 seconds ahead of all other runners.

In 1992, Kal and his sister Darci went to Australia. Prior to the trip, he became a certified scuba-diver so he could dive the Great Barrier Reef. He followed that dive with many more in cold Minnesota lakes, finding a large collection of antique bottles and other interesting items. Kal even dove down to the 1905 wreck of the Madeira in Lake Superior where he stood in the pilot house 100 feet deep. Kallen once saved a fellow diver’s life, leading him back to the surface when he got nitrogen narcosis. Kal also loved snowmobiling and owned three machines. He would ride over 700 miles on a four-day trip with a friend. Once, a deer leaped over his head as he sped along the trail.

In 1981 my son graduated from Dunwoody Institute with a degree in Tool & Die. Kal became the Quality Control and Procurement Specialist for J.R. Williams Inc. He mastered every aspect of the business and could be counted on to solve any problem. He was very likeable and a natural leader, making friends everywhere he went.

Kal and I thoroughly enjoyed many fascinating conversations about scientific theories and facts, ancient civilizations and historical events. One entire cabinet in his living room was filled with family memorabilia, passed down through five generations.

Kal was so tender hearted and a natural caregiver. He cared for his seriously ill girlfriend Deb for six and a half years, even while working full time. His twin dogs Baron and Sable, along with several other pets, experienced his loving care and patience.

Kallen’s last three years were difficult. He was in a great deal of pain as his health deteriorated. His sister Holli became his caregiver, taking him to doctor appointments and handling his business affairs. Kallen died of alcoholism at age 62. He passed away on October 24th, 2026 at United Hospital in Saint Paul. I was with him for the last 45 hours of his life. I held his hand and talked about his loving grandparents and great grandparents who would be among those waiting for him when he crossed over. Despite him being unconscious, I believe he could hear me. Kallen was a warm, loving part of our family and he will be dearly missed.

Kallen is survived by his mother Gréthe Jon Winship, father LeRoy Felrath (Virginia), sisters Darci Knauer (John) and Holli Arends, niece Chelsea Tarelle Arends, nephews Logan Arends (Cassie) and Adam Knauer (Liz), as well as many beloved family and friends.

Preceded in death by step-father Gerald J. Winship, Kallen’s partner Deb McCurdy and numerous grandparents and friends.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

November 15, 2026

Champlin Community Center 12450 Gettysburg Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316, USA

Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held from 12:30PM - 3:30PM on Sunday 11/15/26. All who knew Kal are welcome.

Burial will be at Hebron Cemetery in Judson, MN at a later date (family only).

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services