KALAS J. Ellsworth, 92, went to his Lord on the morning of November 12, 2015. He was born February 14, 1923 in Sioux City, Iowa to the late John and Minnie Kalas. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Dr. Kalas was a United Methodist pastor, serving churches in Wisconsin and Ohio for nearly 40 years. Since 1992, he served Asbury Theological Seminary in a variety of capacities. He is survived by his wife, Janet, and her children: Kim (Bart) VanderVelde and Matt (Laura) Stith; his daughter, Taddy; his son, David (Karen) and eleven grandchildren: Angela, Lydia, Susanna, Tabitha, and Julia Kalas; Trey, Owen and Cole VanderVelde; Zachary, Trevor and Sydney Stith. Memorials may be given to Wesley Village, the Asbury Theological Seminary Estes Chapel Fund, and Asbury University. A service of worship will be held in Estes Chapel on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 20th.

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Nov. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Kalas

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10 Entries

April 20, 2019

I met this awesome and unique man and his wife Janet in Venice Fl. They were both so nice to me . It was a miracle that I had the opportunity to meet them . A few years later - I visited them at their home . It was so much fun.....
Janet - I'm so sorry about your amazing husband.......
Thank you Jesus for allowing me to meet this beautiful man.....
Thank you Jesus for allowing me to meet Janet .
You both are the best - I will never forget you both .

I'm so sad right now because I just found out .
But I'm so happy that god allowed for us to meet.

Janet - thank you for the pop and cookies at your house . You gave me a ride back to my hotel .

I was walking or jogging in your hometown- and you told me that you seen me and you even thought it was me. Your husband let me in your house to surprise you . We prayer together . You both are angels . You touched my heart .

We all sat on that bench in Venice Fl and I was so happy that we were hanging out. It felt like family .

I love you both and I will never forget you

Carolyn Schuldt

September 6, 2016

Dr. Kalas was my pastor in Madison, WI during the time when I was a secretary to the School of Commerce faculty from 1964-76...he was an absolute man of God and brought inspiration to his parishioners and friends...I lived in Green Bay for a period of time where his son now is and had kept in touch with him, thankfully. When I lived in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky I had the privilege of becoming reacquainted with him...I have been in Peoria for 22 years at the DT church and was about to take one of his classes this fall. I wasn't aware of his passing until very recently and was saddened that we lost such a tremendous pastor and friend. He passed the week of my birthday. Please accept my deepest sympathy. He will be sorely missed by all of us.

Karen Rezach

December 23, 2015

We are so deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Kalas' passing. He was a true treasure and messenger of God. We traveled to Ocean Grove every summer to attend his bible study. Our deepest sympathies to his family. He lives on with The Lord whom he served so well, and in all of our hearts.

Dorr and Joyce Dearborn

November 20, 2015

Dear Family of J. Ellsworth Kalas,

As with many others, we rejoice that we shared a place and time with Ellsworth. For us it was at Church of the Saviour in Cleveland where under his teaching and caring our faith was deepened. We are sorry for your loss. We know that our memories will continue to bring that kind voice back to our ears from time to time. May your memories ease the grief and may God grant you peace and comfort.

Jin and Thelma Boswell

November 19, 2015

We will all miss him and looking forward to seeing him again.
God be with you Janet and family.

Michael Pasquarello

November 18, 2015

Dear Janet and family,
We were saddened to hear the news about Ellsworth. We have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Patti and I are deeply thankful for the years we have known Ellsworth. What we learned from his life and words was about much more than preaching. He must be thoroughly enjoying the chance to sing in the presence of our Risen Lord ("And Can it Be?")

Your friends in Christ,
Mike and Patti Pasquarello

Margaret Senters

November 18, 2015

Dr. Kalas and I first met when President Jack Phillips offered him the position of minister-in-residence at Union College. His office was located in the President's suite which allowed us daily conversation, and my occasional attendance at Chapel. Following that position, over the years as he returned for the Pastors' School(ALPS), we would seek each other out between classes just to spend a few minutes together. His big smile and genuine greeting was always so uplifting. One of the last times we talked as I was walking away, I had an ephiphany: my spirit spoke to me saying, "I saw God today.!" ephiphany, my sprit greeting. In addition, I

Margaret Senters

November 18, 2015

Dr. Kalas and I first met when he was invited to become the minister-in-residence at Union College by President Jack C. Phillips. His office was located in the President's suite which allowed daily conversation between the two of us. Years later as he would return to teach in the pastors' school (ALPS), we would always seek each other out to spend a few minutes together. I always felt uplifted and moved by his great big smile, and genuine Christian persona. One moment of awe occurred as as I was once walking away from our conversation. I had an epiphany: My inner spirit spoke to me saying "I saw God today!" Dr. Kalas was a great man and a dear friend. Heaven is all the more richer with his arrival. I am sorry for his passing but rejoice with his having reached that eternal destination. I send my very deepest condolences to Janet and the family.

Tom Meyer

November 16, 2015

Janet, Very sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you can return to Best Friends sometime when its good for you.

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