David L. Earp, 75, of Caledonia, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at Caledonia Care and Rehab.

He was born March 8, 1936, in Forest City, Iowa, to Claire Charles “CC” and Shirley (Williams) Earp. On June 8, 1958, he married Lavon Jensen in Swea City, Iowa. Mr. Earp was the band director and chairman of the Fine Arts Department in Rapidan, Woden-Crystal Lake, Iowa, and Caledonia public schools. He was an accomplished performer with his own successful dance band for many years. After retiring from 24 years in Caledonia, he worked 17 years as a living history interpreter at historic Forestville of the Minnesota Historical Society. Dave was an active participant with the Caledonia Methodist Church as choir director for many years as well as directing the church choir in Rapidan and Crystal Lake. He was well respected in the high school music industry being appointed as a state high school band contest adjudicator in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and was a longtime active member of the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council. He was also an accomplished arranger and composer of a variety of musical styles. His musical and storytelling abilities were appreciated by all walks of life. He was an inspirational educator, mentor and friend to his students. David was also active in the Caledonia Lions Club, and enjoyed bowling, fishing and many community events.

He is survived by his wife, Lavon, of 53 years; three children: Jonathan and his wife, Laurie, and their children: Erin and Dylan, all of Oakland, Calif., Michael and his wife, Alisa, and their children: Jessica, Nicholas and Taylor, all of Goodhue, and Allyson and her husband, Tim Hoof, and their children: Morgan and Jordan, all of Cut Bank, Mont.; two brothers: Stephen (Dorothy) Earp of Betendorf, Iowa, and Nathan (Jill) Earp of Lakeville; one sister, Mary (Melvin) Rennells of Winona; and eleven nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Claire Charles “CC” and Shirley Earp of Albert Lea.

A celebration of David’s life will be today at 10 a.m. at the Caledonia United Methodist Church, 308 N. Kingston St. The Rev. Mark Bengtson will officiate. Friends could call at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia, on Thursday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and also at the church today from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

David will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues for his unwavering love, unconditional support, and unsurpassed professionalism he projected in his natural personality.