Remembering a hero and leader
VRNA President Kelly Ferber 1932-2002

VRNA President Calvin (Kelly) Ferber passed away on Mon,, Sept, 16, 2002, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Flags flew at half-staff in Fergus Falls, Minn., to honor the man that had been mayor of the city for 21 years.

Kelly was born on a farm in Otter Tail County on Aug. 11, 1932. In 1955, he married the love of his life and lifelong partner, Marcia Ferber. Together they had three daughters: Linnae, Lori and Lisa.

Ferber’s accomplishments ranged from fundraising and city housing incentive programs to the building of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Kelly not only worked on veterans issues within the state of Minnesota, he served as the liaison concerning national veterans issues for U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) until his death.

A tireless leader, Ferber began his military career in 1951, and was stationed in Korea, where he served as a sergeant of the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War. Following active duty he served in the National Guard, totaling 21 years of service in the military.

In addition to serving as president of the VRNA, Ferber was a member of the American Legion for more than 30 years, and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving as Quartermaster, Post Commander, State Commander and National Chairman of the Voice of Democracy Program.

He was not only a leader to the staff of the VRNA, he was a hero to each and every one of us.

Statement from the staff of the VRNA

Reprint from Fergus Falls Daily Journal
Sept. 20, 2002

On behalf of the members of the Veterans Resource Network Association, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Kelly’s wife, Marcia; daughters Lori, Linnae and Lisa; Kelly’s brothers and sister; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Kelly was not only an American patriot for veteran’s causes, he was a true friend to the members of the VRNA.  

Last year, when asked to write his President’s Column on the Korean War for the VRNA membership magazine, Kelly submitted a moving editorial about his first few days in Korea. The column gave us all a glimpse of what type of man Kelly was, even at the tender age of 19.

Kelly wrote, “In February, 1952, orders came down that the First Platoon would be going through our line to raid Hill 168, an enemy stronghold. At 19 years old, it hit me that after all my training for combat back in the states, I was now going into the real thing. I wondered if this would be the last day of my life. I remember opening my pocket New Testament Bible and the book opened to Psalm 27. When I read that, it not only gave me strength for that first encounter, but also for all patrols, raids and attacks in the next eight months.”

A man of faith, integrity and honor, Kelly was inspired to rise above the destruction he saw during war and fight for a country he deeply loved. And when he returned home, Kelly fought for veteran’s causes with the same passion. That is what made him such a great leader for the men and women of the VRNA.

We celebrate a life lived to the fullest – not a life lived for self gain but a life lived for selfless service for others. Kelly’s contagious energy will be missed, but his spirit will be with us always.

— The staff of the Veterans Resource Network Association

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