Jon Kalka

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, Jon Michael Kalka, loving brother, uncle and friend, passed away at the age of 67. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Assumption Catholic Church, Pembina, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the church. 

Jon was born on August 20, 1956, to Walter ‘Laddie’ and Dorothy Kalka in Cavalier, North Dakota. Jon grew up in Pembina, ND with his parents and four younger siblings, Mary, Jan, Diane, and Jerry. He graduated from Pembina High School in 1975.

 His career took him several places, from oil fields in Williston, ND and Chanute, KS to the Joliette (ND) Elevator and most recently Motor Coach Industries in Pembina, with several other stops along the way. When he wasn’t working, Jon spent much of his time hunting, fishing, golfing, and experimenting in the kitchen or on the grill.

 What Jon enjoyed most was time spent with family and friends. Whether he stopped by to visit, ran into you at the grocery store or was lending a hand, he valued the time spent with the people in his life. Jon was a good friend. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories and jokes. Jon had a knack for making people laugh. 

 Jon loved to help people. This was obvious from a young age and throughout his adult life taking form in his time as a firearm safety instructor, firefighter, and Fire Chief of the Pembina Fire Department and all his volunteer efforts in local community events. 

 Jon was preceded in death by his father, Walter; mother, Dorothy; sister, Jan Stanlake, and great-nephew Andrew Walker.

 He will be sorely missed and survived by his siblings: sisters, Mary (Craig) Knutson and Diane (Joel) Muir; brother Jerry (Lisa) Kalka, brother-in-law Peyton Stanlake; nieces: Mariah (Scott) Tvrdik, Christina (Jr.) Tvrdik, Madison (Jake) Muir, Greta Knutson, Kassidy Kalka; nephews: Nick (Vicky) Tvrdik, Carl Knutson, and Colton Kalka; great-niece Sylvie; and great-nephews Gavin and Wesley.