Lars Loren Kelto

Lars Loren Kelto of Traverse City, MI lived exceptionally from October 3, 1976 - June 4, 2017. He was an incredible father to Mette Laurel (almost 7) and Ginger Johanna (newly 4), and a deeply loved husband to Megan. He demonstrated his boundless love and adoration for them, in ways big and small, every day. Being a dad was his greatest joy in life. He was an endlessly curious polymath, and delighted in sharing his passions with his brilliant girls, including musical theatre, science, piano, comedy, writing, Greek mythology, cinema, trivia, Star Wars, community, technology, strategy games, and so much more.

He met his wife Megan in late 1999, at Dill's trivia night. Throughout their nearly 18 years, they grew up together and built their life, community, and family. He was a wonderful partner, co-conspirator, and creative collaborator. He was the better Mario Kart player, but he appreciated having a wife who could give him a run for his money. They married on October 7, 2006, on a gorgeous autumn day at Ciccone Vineyard in Leelanau County. They made trips to New York to see Broadway shows, threw epic, elaborately themed New Year's parties, and were so happy to buy their "forever" house in 2014. They loved skiing, having friends over to play games, and bonfires at Otter Creek beach. Mette and Ginger were their greatest shared pride and joy.

He was the cherished son of Cliff and Kathy, and older brother to Anders and Julia. His early years were rich in learning opportunities, including Olympics of the Mind, TCAPS' Talented and Gifted (TAG) program, NASA Space Camp, and other wonderful and stimulating activities. He loved sharing his knowledge with his younger brother and sister, and made sure that both Anders and Julia had learned long division before they began first grade. In high school, Lars was active in marching, concert and jazz bands, and worked theatre tech backstage.

Lars graduated from Traverse City Senior High in 1994 and attended Northwestern Michigan College. From a young age, he was on the leading edge of technology and the Internet. He received his first personal computer at age 6, and immediately began programming in BASIC language. By age 20, he owned a dial-up ISP company. He was a gifted, self-taught programmer, and was hired right out of high school by the Traverse Area Association of Realtors, where he continued to serve as technology director.

Throughout his career, he pursued his passions under the banner of Lars Kelto Technology Services, and assembled a roster of arts- and community-minded client organizations. He was an integral part of the Traverse City Film Festival and the State and Bijou Theatres, and was a brilliant filmmaker and writer in his own right. He loved to make the magic happen.

Lars was a talented musician with a great natural ear. He loved jazz and musicals, and he played saxophone, piano, and sang. He shared his musical offerings in worship services at his home church, Feast of Victory Lutheran in Acme, MI. His first stage experiences were in the church's children's programs, produced by his Mom. He began performing at the Old Town Playhouse in 2006, and was a regular fixture on stage throughout the years, where he hit his stride as a great comedic actor. He also served on the Playhouse's artistic committee, and his OTP family was very important to him.

Lars gave freely of his time and talents, and a full accounting of his projects and activities would be impractical. But Lars was the guy you could call on if you needed a wedding officiated, a bar trivia night hosted, a wifi network set up, a comedy sketch written, an obscure board game played, a short film made, a bonfire built, a brunch organized, a piano tuned, a show directed, an Indian curry cooked, a baby snuggled, a party planned, or an introduction made to so-and-so (because he knew absolutely everybody).

Some people get to be in the room where it happens. Often, Lars created that room. He was extraordinarily loved, and will be deeply missed.
A community memorial celebration will be held on Friday, June 16 at 3:00 p.m. at the City Opera House. A worship service will be held Saturday, June 17 at 4:00 p.m. at Feast of Victory Lutheran Church in Acme. In lieu of flowers, please donate to help his wife and daughters at www.tcff.org/keltofund .