David Mark Kalinoff

He is survived by his wife, Melissa; daughters, Leah (22) and Brianna (19); and father, Fred Kalinoff. David was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Kalinoff.

David was affectionately known for his witty sense of humor and his strong love for the people around him. He loved and cared for his family tenaciously. He prayed continuously through his fight with cancer. His generosity to his friends was unwavering. His strength and honor were prominent in his fight. His passing has brought a sense of peace to those closest to him, knowing that he is no longer in pain. We believe he will spend his eternity in paradise with Jesus Christ.

David was adopted from South Korea by Fred and Tricia Kalinoff in 1974. He grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota with his two siblings. Dave met his wife, Melissa, at St. Olaf College and obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Trumpet Performance. After college he worked with the Kansas City Police Department, went to the police academy and became a Minnesota State Trooper. Dave accomplished many things in his music career and police career. However, he believed that his greatest accomplishment and proudest point of his life was watching his daughters grow up through academics, fine arts, sports, and faith. Dave fought bravely and humbly for 10 years, even supporting his family and friends throughout his battle-often making jokes along the way. Many people, including his children, call him their hero.

“If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace; and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to awaken every man to duty.” -Thomas Paine

Dave lived by this quote. He demonstrated his outstanding character through his actions every single day, whether it was saving someone's life as a state trooper, sharing his musical expertise with others, generously giving to his friends, lending a hand to his neighbors, or instilling all these qualities in his daughters. His unwavering efforts to provide for and encourage his daughters until his final breath is nothing short of heroic. God gave Dave the gifts and ability to impact nearly everyone around him. Although he was given poor circumstances of having cancer, he was a true blessing to this earth, an amazing friend, a loving son, an adoring husband, and an outstanding father.

A memorial service honoring Dave’s life will be held at 10:30am on May 24th, 2025, at New Life Church of Woodbury (6758 Bailey Rd, St Paul, MN 55129).

Dave was deeply impacted from being involved in the fine arts programs throughout his high school and college career. It was his desire to support students who have been active and prominent in their own fine arts programs throughout high school. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made using the link below to New Life Church and designated to the Dave Kalinoff scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a New Life graduate who exemplifies dedication and character to their fine arts programs:

https:/secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000007v3wQMAQ

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.”

Romans 14:8-9