James Edward Kalmes

James "Jim" Edward Kalmes, 69, of Rollingstone died on Monday, May 31, 2011, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on November 30, 1941, in Winona, Minn. to Edward B. and Helen (Gengler) Kalmes. He was a 1959 graduate of Holy Trinity High School in Rollingstone. Jim grew up on the farm where he worked along with his father until his death in 1959. On May 4, 1963, Jim married Louise Walch at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Altura, Minn. Jim and Louise purchased the farm and raised their three children there. He also worked at ASCO Inc. in Winona, Walch Farm Service in Altura, Bud Meyer Trucking in Lake City, Yoder Feeds in Viola and CD Trucking in Winona. Jim and Louise also owned and operated the Fireside Inn in Rollingstone and were currently selling fresh produce at the Winona Farmers Market. Jim was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone where he was a member of the St. Nicholas Society and was a Eucharistic Minister. He served as Treasurer of the Norton Township Board and was currently the Township Supervisor. Jim was a member of Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting and attending his grandchildren's little league baseball games. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings fan. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Jim is survived by his wife, Louise; three children: Denise (Chris) Mosher of Rocky Ford, Colorado, Dean (Chere) Kalmes of Ballwin, Missouri, and Mike Kalmes of Goodview, Minn.; seven grandchildren: Brandon and Joshua Mosher, Sydney and Alex Kalmes, and Shawn, Scott and Grant Kalmes; four sisters: Joan (Leigh) Hartert of Wabasha, Minn. Jean (Mike) Kertzman of Winona, Minn., Jane Roth of Gold Canyon, Arizona, and Janet (John) Ries of Sisters, Oregon.He was preceded in death by his parents. There will be a Funeral Mass for Jim at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 3, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone with the Rev. James Steffes officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service. Honorary Casket Bearers will be: Tom Hengel, Steve Kalmes, Tom Schmit, Scott Dieterman, Ralph Herber, Eugene Kalmes, Dave Walch, John Ries, Leigh Hartert, Mike Kertzman, and Jim Hoffman. In lieu of flowers, Jim's family prefers memorials to be directed to the Winona Health Hospice, 855 Mankato Ave., Winona, MN 55987 Leave a memory of Jim and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
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