Leo "Jim" Kalis

Leo "Jim" Kalis, 81 year old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN with Father Mark Innocenti officiating. Burial will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. on Tuesday and from 9-10 A.M. on Wednesday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Parish prayers will be said at 6P.M. on Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Jim was born on August 1, 1930 in Little Falls, MN to the late Alex and Josephine (Waltman) Kalis. He attended country school and entered the U.S. Navy in September of 1950. Jim proudly served fours year in the Navy receiving an honorable discharge in July of 1954. He was united in marriage to Loraine J. Zoren in 1958 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. Jim was a life long member of the Little Falls VFW Post #1112. He worked at the St. Paul meat packing plant, moving back to Little Falls in 1954 which he began working at St. Gabriel’s Hospital. He worked as a painter and later worked his way up to boiler operator. Jim retired 45 years later in 1999. He loved to start everyday attending mass and reading the morning newspaper. Jim was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an avid mechanic and loved to drive and see new places and things. Jim also loved western movies especially John Wayne and enjoyed western book like Louis L’Amour. His positive attitude was evident in his love to visit, tell stories, and just laugh. Jim was respected for his undivided faith and his willingness to serve the Lord. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Lorraine; sons, James (Diana) Kalis, Alan (Pat) Kalis, LeRoy, and Jonathan; daughter, Janet (Kevin) Burggraff; five grandchildren, Just, Kyle (Amber), & Logan Kalis, Joshua & Nicholas Burggraff; great-grandchildren, Izaak & Katelyn Kalis; brother, Dennis (LaVern “Lovey”) Kalis; sisters, Leona Knopik & Carol Lobin. Jim was preceded in death by parents, Alex & Josephine; daughters, Colette & Annette; sibling, Rose Maciej; brothers-in-law, Alvin Knopik, Leonard Maciej, and Jack Lobin.

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Leo "Jim" Kalis

August 1, 1930 - August 27, 2011