Funeral services for Kermit D. Kalke will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2016 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Richland. The Reverend Scott Williams will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4-7 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday, as well as one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will take place at St. Peter Cemetery. Bonnerup-Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland is assisting the family.
Kermit passed away surrounded by his family at his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 79 years old.
Kermit Dean Kalke was born on December 31, 1936 in Osage, IA to Alvin and Clarice (Huset) Kalke. He was baptized in Iowa and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church of New Richland. Kermit graduated in 1955 from New Richland High School. He attended Mankato Commercial College for one year. Kermit served in the Army for six months of active duty, and six years for the Army Reserves.
On April 26, 1959, he married Marie Erickson of Alden. They had three daughters in this marriage.
On February 17, 1973, Kermit married LaVonne (Sorensen) Lund of Wells.
Kermit was in business with his dad known as the Kalke and Son Block and Tile, and Kalke Sand and Gravel for many years. Later, he and LaVonne owned and operated Kalke Department Store. They also farmed for many years. Kermit drove school bus and was a meat cutter for Wagners. He served on the church council, was a Sunday school teacher, served on the city council, and was treasurer for the New Richland Township.
Kermit had many interests. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing cards, going to Gopher basketball and football games, watching high school sports, and going for walks with his dog, Riley. He enjoyed spending time in his wildlife area, having morning coffee with his friends, and had a hobby of rock collecting. Most of all, he enjoyed moments together with his family.
He is survived by his wife, LaVonne and their dog Riley; children, Nancy (Sally) Kalke of Minneapolis, Charlene (Tom) McDonnell of Buffalo, MN, and Karen (Russell) Point of Buffalo, MN; grandchildren, Karin (Brandon) Bellomo, Philip Rossin, Jack McDonnell, Andy McDonnell, Kandace (Erik) Olson, and Joe (Megan) Point, Erickson Point; step children, Sue (Michael) Plotz of New Richland and Rodney (Angela) Lund of Waseca; step-grandchildren, Adam (Mallory) Plotz, Nicole Plotz, Shane Halversen, Nathan Lund, and Noah Lund; a sister, Shirley Hite of New Richland; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.
Kermit was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Clarice.
Kermit will be very sadly missed.