Alois "Al" Kalis

Alois “Al” E. Kalis, age 82, of Little Falls, MN, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2009 at St. Benedicts Care Center in St. Cloud, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial for Alois Kalis will be at 11:30 AM, Monday January 4, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN with Father Nicholas Landsberger officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM Sunday January 3, 2010 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday at the funeral chapel. Christian Mothers will pray the rosary at 4:30 PM and a parish prayer service will be at 7 PM on Sunday. Alois “Al” Kalis died on December 31, 2009 from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. He was born April 16, 1927 in Bellevue Township to Isadore and Emily (Jarosh) Kalis. He married Marion Elizabeth Otremba on June 24, 1950 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Buckman, Minnesota. Following his marriage, Alois was employed as a carpenter working for the Great Northern Railroad as part of the legendary “B & B” gang. Following his work on the railroad, he pursued a career working in the granite business, for Granite City Granite and Rex Granite companies of St. Cloud, Minnesota until his retirement. Alois enjoyed the great outdoors, often helping his father and relatives on their farms. He most notably enjoyed fishing and was known for making his own fishing gadgets and lures. He also enjoyed gardening, music, dancing, and spending time with his family. Many knew Alois for his creativity and “Mr. Fixit” talents; There were few things he could not fix. Alois also enjoyed playing the accordion and harmonica and was an avid “Polka” fan, Al was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church since 1950. Alois is survived by his sons, Robert (Becky) Kalis of Buffalo, MN, Tom (Karla) Kalis of Tea, SD, Dan (Margaret) Kalis of Buffalo, MN, Paul (Lisa) Kalis of Sartell, MN; daughters Terri (Duane) Rieland of Richmond, MN, Kathy Rudek, of Little Falls, MN, JoAnn Kalis of Albertville, MN, Mary (Brent) Lundstrom of West Fargo, ND; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Josephine Larson of Sobieski, MN, MaryAnn (Matt) Celga of Moorhead, MN, Delores (Loren) Popp of Rice, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife Marion Kalis; parents Isadore & Emily Kalis; sister Bernadine (Raymond) Burgraff; and brother James Kalis.

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Alois "Al" Kalis

April 16, 1927 - December 31, 2009