ROCKFORD — David Lynn Kellogg, 72, crossed the rainbow bridge into the Great Beyond on Sept. 22 in Rockford. Born May 15, 1949 in Monmouth, Illinois to Charles and Mary Kellogg, David was a lifelong activist, author and musician; he loved to stand out from the crowd.

In his youth, David was a race car driver and mechanic, and he graduated from Rochelle Township High School. David was a pioneering activist in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality and women’s rights. He created the Harm Reduction Outreach program in Rockford and worked for the Human Rights Campaign in its early days. A dedicated Buddhist and active member of the Narcotics Anonymous community, David celebrated 14 years of sobriety this year. It is a painful parting from this vibrant, jovial soul who sought to lift others up and sometimes gave too much.

A kind, loving and devoted father and husband, David is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Monson Hansen, his children Andrew Kellogg, Myriah Pena, Steffen Kellogg, Haelan Hart, Robin Kellogg, Casey Kellogg and his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. David is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Buster, his sister Betty, his former wife Mary Hart and his lifelong friend Bill Greer. 

No public services will be held, cremation care will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Linda Hansen to assist with funerary expenses. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the ICU staff at Javon Bea Mercy Health hospital for their great kindness and care for our beloved David.