Eugene Herbert Kalmes

ROLLINGSTONEEugene Herbert Kalmes of Rollingstone passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Lake Winona Manor at the age of 91.Eugene was born September 25, 1923 on the family farm to Arthur and Elsie (Hofstetter) Kalmes. Eugene graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1941. In 1946, he met Elizabeth "Betty" Cuturia and they were married August 28, 1948 at St. Thomas Pro Cathedral Catholic Church in Winona. In 1977, Eugene began his many years as an elected member of the Winona County Soil and Water Conservation Board. He was also a leader of the Rollingstone Rural Rockets and the Winona County Executive 4-H Council. Through the years, he received a lifetime membership to the Lewiston Sportsman's Club, was named honorary member of the Lewiston FFA, and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus of Winona #637. He served as Mayor of Rollingstone for 6 years and was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, St. Nicholas Society, and a trustee. Eugene enjoyed playing cards and horseshoes with his circle of friends and family. Deer hunting was a big event of the year with family and friends. He also enjoyed processing venison, beef, and pork; making sausage, and the famous Luxembourg triepen, a family tradition. He was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them and his grandchildren. Eugene is survived by Betty, the love of his life for 66 years; four sons, Robert (Anita) of Rollingstone, Daniel (Carol) of Onalaska, WI, Thomas (Veronica) of Eyota, and Arthur (Jenny) of Burnsville; two daughters, Kathryn (Mark) Brandt of Osseo, WI and Kristine (Brad) Phelps of Ringgold, GA; and daughter-in-law, Betty Kalmes. Eugene and Betty were blessed with 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and David Kalmes; sisters, Mary Callaway, Elizabeth Lapidus, Barbara Stehn, Rosemarie Feils, and Suzanne Quigley; and grandson, Jakob Phelps.Visitation will be held from 1-4pm, Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. Memorial Mass will be 11am, Monday, February 2 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone with visitation starting at 9:30am. Reverend Paul Breza will officiate. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Catholic Church.Please share a memory of Eugene with his family, view his video tribute, and read his complete life story at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/564126