Henry J. Kalis, 81

Henry Kalis

Walters – Henry Joseph Kalis, age 81, of Walters, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Albert Lea. A funeral service will be held Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, with Fr. Eugene Stenzel officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 from 1-4 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Military Honors will be accorded by the Kiester American Legion Post. The family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com

Henry Joseph was born March 2, 1937 in Easton, the son of Joseph and Loretta (Horn) Kalis. He was the youngest of three children. Henry graduated from Kiester High School in 1955, farmed with his father until joining the Army National Guard which he served for four years. He was united in marriage to Violet Rae Johnson Nov. 28, 1959 at St. Theodore’s Catholic church in Albert Lea. Henry assumed responsibility for the family farm and continued farming until retirement in 2013. He was elected a Foster Township officer, later became a Faribault County Commissioner and went on to be elected as a Minnesota State Representative serving in the Legislature for 28 years. Henry was a recovering alcoholic who dedicated his time in sobriety by helping others achieve a life of peace and serenity. Henry had a contagious sense of humor which he shared with everyone. He also had a passion for education, focusing much of his career on helping others to achieve their goals. By being an organ donor, he continues to provide possible advancement in reach of Alzheimer’s Disease.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Violet Kalis, of Albert Lea; sister, Elaine Wanzek; four children, Joe (Sonja) Kalis, of Rochester, John (Diana) Kalis of Albert Lea, Jackie (David) Stiernagle, of Arp, Texas, Jeffrey (Kelley) Kalis, of Rochester; grandchildren, Jeni Kalis (Jake Abrahamson), AJ Kalis, Jared Kalis, Jessica (Allen) Hendriks, T. J. Kalis (Kelly Duncomb), Samantha Kalis (Landon Hall), Kelly (Brandon) Dill, Sarah Polis-Mares, Caleb Stiernagle, Nicholas Stiernagle, Mallory (Kenny) Rose and Taylor Muetzel; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis; brothers-in-law, Norbert Wanzek and Harlin Schow; mother and father-in-law: Martha and Arnold Johnson, and one nephew, Fred Wanzek.