David Charles McKee MD

David Charles McKee, MD, age 64, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by his family on July 29, 2025.

David was born on May 19, 1961 alongside his twin brother Daniel to Donald and Linda McKee in Omaha, Nebraska. As a child, he moved throughout the country before settling in Appleton, Wisconsin at age 13. He was a proud Wisconsinite and loved everything about growing up a teenager in Wisconsin. David went on to graduate the valedictorian–and consequently, summa cum laude–from Macalester College in 1983, before going on to obtain his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1987, graduating in the top 10% of his class. He would then complete his neurology residency at Oregon Health and Science University prior to being awarded the prestigious Jeanne Timmins Fellowship at McGill University’s Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, where he honed his expertise in neuromuscular disease and electromyography. David was an exceptional neurologist, providing unparalleled care to countless individuals across the midwest–in addition to Oregon and Quebec–in 38 years of work. He was named a Best Doctor in America every year since 2007, recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2014, named among the Top 100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders in 2016 by Minnesota Physician, and received the Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2024.

David was an incredible husband to his wife, Marie-Laure, and father to his four children: Tyvand, Camille, Charlotte, and Alexanne. He was immensely caring, generous, and selfless, continuously putting others before himself in all facets of his life. He loved sharing his passions and interests with others, cherishing quality time with his friends and family. David was exceptionally smart; he was opinionated and always ready to dive into deep conversation on anything from historical theology to Spotted Cow. He was an avid reader, with a dry wit and sense of humor that always had people laughing. He will be so greatly missed.

In 1989, David joined the United States Navy as part of the Medical Corps, commissioned as a lieutenant in Pensacola, Florida. By 1999 he had become an O-5: a naval commander. During his time in the Navy, his sailboat, Vallery, was twice commissioned as a naval training vessel, making David her commanding officer. David also qualified as Expert Pistol Shot, frequently shooting with only a Walther PPK. He belonged to the naval base in Duluth until he was honorably discharged in 2005. 

David had a passion for sailing and being out on the lake. As teenagers, he and his brother Dan raced their Flying Scot at the Neenah Nodaway Yacht Club in Wisconsin, winning many local races and series, and taking 3rd at the Flying Scot Junior North America Championship in1977. After moving to Duluth in 1992, he began sailing in the Apostle Islands on his boat, Vallery. He was a skilled sailor and some of his happiest memories were on the water with his family, hopping through the islands. It brought him true peace and was a joy he loved sharing with others. 

A man of numerous hobbies and interests, David had a curious mind, constantly exploring and trying new things. This included, but was not limited to, astronomy, fencing, horseback riding, photography, planting trees, chopping down trees, indoor plants, chess, traveling, old radios and vinyls, cars, Norwegian culture and language, coaching his daughters’ basketball teams, watching the Packers, skiing, camping, brewing beer, aging whiskey, stock trading, shooting guns, playing the cello, watches, and taking his dogs on walks at Tischer Creek. He was fluent in French and his sourdough recipe was pretty good.

Heavily involved in the community, David was active with several groups and organizations. A longtime member of St. Michael’s Church, he served as a trustee for 15 years. A strong proponent for independent practice in medicine, he also served as Chief Medical Officer for Integrity Health Network from 2010-2022, supporting other providers to enhance patient care throughout the region. He had a tremendous impact on the community and touched the lives of so many. 

David was preceded in death by his father, Donald McKee and his mother Linda Lewis née Foght. He will always be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marie-Laure McKee; his son, Tyvand McKee (Alexia); his daughters, Camille McKee (fiancé Nathaniel Kasch), Charlotte McKee, and Alexanne McKee (partner Jonathan Vue); his twin brother, Daniel McKee (Fiona); his sister, Laura McKee; his nephew and nieces, Killian McKee, Kellyn McKee, Isabelle Welp, and Emily Welp; and his two dogs, Louis McKee and Ravnur McKee. 

David was loved by so many and his family and friends are heartbroken by his passing. He impacted countless people and his loss has already been so greatly felt. He was a kind, generous, passionate, and thoughtful man, which shone through in endless ways.

 A visitation will be held on Friday, August 8th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Dougherty Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Saturday August 9th, from 10Am until the 11AM Funeral Mass at St. Michael’s Church at 11:00 followed by a gathering at the Kitchi Gammi Club to toast David. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Davids name are preferred to the Whale Trust or to ASPCA.