Peter Kelling

1938 - 2025

Peter Joseph Kelling, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 87 on August 9, 2025 surrounded by family.

Pete was born on the second day of March in 1938 to Catherine L. and Robert S. Kelling, Sr. He was raised in Evanston, Illinois, and graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1956. Pete studied liberal arts at both Quincy College and Southern Illinois University. He had a deep love for fishing and sailing. Growing up, he often vacationed with his family at Eagle Lake in Wisconsin and Foretown Lake in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Army for several years, primarily at Ft. Leonard Wood and Ft. Carson.

He spent most of the 1970s living in Toronto, Canada, where he worked at Chubb Insurance and spent much of his free time sailing, before transferring to the company's Baltimore branch in the early 1980s.

In 1989, he began working at Willis of Maryland, Inc. in Rockville, Maryland, as a Senior Client Manager in Commercial Insurance. He remained there for 25 years and retired in 2014. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of being a father. He never missed a 'Bring Your Kids to Work Day' or a company picnic where he could have Dan and Katie by his side.

Peter was generous with his time and was deeply committed to giving. Those who knew Pete will remember his unwavering kindness and his deep-rooted Catholic faith. He was a member of the Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Frederick, Maryland after it was established and a previous member of The Pastorate of St. Francis - St. Mary & Holy Family in Middletown, Maryland.

The simplest pleasures in life brought joy to Pete. He was never happier than when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. One of Pete's greatest gifts to his children was the example he set by having an uncanny ability to find happiness in his daily routine as well as showing up for the people who matter most. He had a sharp wit and was known for his logical approach to life.

He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls, staying true to his Midwestern roots no matter where life took him.

Peter was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert S. Kelling Jr. He is survived by his brother, Michael (Mary) Kelling; his two children, Katie (Austin) White and Daniel (Peyton) Kelling; his grandchildren, Sebastian, Collette, and Corinne; many nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends and members of his community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to Meals on Wheels of central Maryland: https://mealsonwheelsmd.org/donate-online/

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Community 7321 Burkittsville Rd on August 22nd at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., prior to the Funeral Mass.

Peter Kelling