Donna J. Kalis

Donna J. Kalis, 71 year old resident of Sobieski, MN passed away Monday, May 18, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN with Father Patrick Hoeft officiating. Burial will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN and from 9-10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. Caring for Donna and her family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family as they will be establishing a fund for women who are in need of assistance to get a wig during cancer treatments. Donna was born on January 9, 1955, to the late Donald Sr. and Rita (Otremba) Reis. She grew up in Bowlus, Minnesota, where she attended Bowlus Elementary School and later graduated from Royalton High School with the Class of 1973. Following high school, Donna attended Brainerd Community College, where she obtained her LPN license and graduated in 1974. Donna was united in marriage to Alvin Kalis on August 29, 1974, at St. Stanislaus-Kostka Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN. Throughout her working career, Donna dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked at Psyck’s Supermarket in Bowlus, Family Medical Center, Lutheran Care Center, and later at Essentia Health in Baxter, where she eventually retired. Her compassionate heart and caring nature made her a wonderful nurse and caregiver to so many throughout the years. Donna was deeply devoted to her faith and community. She taught religious education for many years at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski and was a lifetime member of the Bowlus American Legion Auxiliary, where she proudly held many offices over the years. She also served in various office positions with the Steelworkers Labor Union for many years. Donna found great joy in the outdoors and in spending time with those she loved most. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, especially family trips to Kitchi Lake, ATV riding, and vacationing with family and friends. She was an avid gardener who took pride in canning the fruits of her labor. Above all else, Donna cherished her family. Her “grandkid weekends” were among her greatest joys, and she loved supporting her grandchildren in all of their activities and accomplishments. Donna will be remembered for her loving heart, strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family. She was greatly loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by loving husband, Al Kalis of Sobieski, MN; children, Christine Massmann of Melrose, MN, Melissa (Dan) Lampert of Bowlus, MN, Thomas (Sarah) Kalis of Royalton and Patrick (Chrissy) Kalis of Randall, MN; siblings, Patricia (Butch) Psyck, David (Janet) Reis, Michael (Diane) Reis, Donald, Jr. (Carol) Reis, Dennis (Louise) Reis, Paul (Tammy) Reis, Ward (Maryanne) Reis and Joseph (Jessica) Reis; grandchildren, Dakota (Jade) Massmann, Adrian (Haley Ramecher) Massmann, Emmett Massmann, Rebecca (Lucas Venske) Lampert, Elizabeth Lampert, Phillip Lampert, Abby Kalis, Ezra Kalis, Bellanie Kalis and Alayna Kalis; great-grandchildren, Liam Massmann, Colt Massmann, and Willow Massmann. Donna was preceded in death by parents, Donald Sr. and Rita Reis; sister, Mary Lou Knaack; brothers-in-law, Ed Kalis and Delmar Kalis; and sister-in-law, Delores Klisch; in-laws, Frank and Helen Kalis.

Tributes

Donna J. Kalis

January 9, 1955 - May 18, 2026