Kim William Kellenberg, affectionately known as “Big Poppy” to his beloved grandchildren, passed away in Bend, Oregon on May 21, 2025, with his family by his side.
Kim was born in Berkeley, CA on August 4, 1947, to Glenn and Margaret Kellenberg. The family moved shortly after to Cresent City where his sister, Kathy was born. A standout athlete in high school, Kim was highly recruited for basketball and football. He played basketball for three years at the University of San Francisco before transferring and finishing his senior year playing basketball at Humboldt State College where he earned his B.A. Degree and Teaching Credential.
While attending Humboldt State and working part-time at Marino’s Club, Kim met and fell in love with Reno Orlandi’s daughter, Janice Orlandi. They were married on April 4, 1971, and just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. They moved to McCloud in 1972, where Kim began his teaching and coaching career and their son, Derek, was born.
Two years later they moved back to Arcata, where Kim and Janice’s daughter, Margaux, was born and Kim helped Dick Nicolai coach the Humboldt State basketball team as he worked on his master’s degree and Administration credential. Later, Kim was hired to teach math and coach basketball and football at Arcata High School. He was a passionate coach who cared deeply about his players. In 2013, Kim was recognized for his coaching contributions when he was inducted into the Arcata High School Hall of Fame.
Kim’s 40-year educational career included several years as Assistant Principal at Arcata High School and Eureka High School, Principal at Zoe Barnum High School, and Director of the Eureka High Adult Education program. In 2004 he was named the Adult Education Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.
Kim and Janice retired in 2008 and moved to Bend, Oregon to be closer to their daughter and family. Throughout Kim’s life, he enjoyed playing golf at Baywood and continued to play regularly in Bend. He enjoyed the comradery of the sport with his many friends.
Family was important to “Big Poppy”. Nothing made him happier than having his kids and grandkids over to the house and attending their sporting events. They were all involved in sports, which kept he and Janice busy keeping up with all of them. Even when he was no longer able to travel, he always wanted to know how they were all doing and how their games and meets went. There is no doubt that he will continue cheering them on at all their future games.
Kim is survived by his wife Janice, son Derek (Rebecca), daughter Margaux, grandchildren, Ava Kellenberg, Cal Kellenberg, Olivia Hought, and Beckett Hought, sister Kathy (John) Frank, sister-in-laws Judy (Doug) White and Lynn (Ron) Stempek, and his dear friend throughout his life, Greg Gatlin. He also leaves behind many loved cousins, nephews, and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Margaret Kellenberg, and Janice’s parents Reno and June Orlandi.
A private family memorial will be held for Kim. If you would like to honor “Big Poppy” please consider giving the gift of trees in his name through the Arbor Day Foundation.

CONTACT: Janice Kellenberg
20122 Stonegate Dr.
Bend, OR 97702