Dennis Charles Kalbas

Dennis Charles Kalbas ObituaryDennis Charles Kalbas, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home in the early morning hours of February 24, 2025. Dennis was born the baby of the family on October 5 1934 in Chicago, IL, the only one of his siblings to be born in the hospital. He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago and always spoke fondly of his youth. His childhood home was located at 1746 W. Melrose St. where the Kalbas Dairy operated until the late 1920's. He reminisced often about the old neighborhood. He attended St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church for worship services and elementary school. Being the baby of the family, his nieces were around the same age as him and he would tell stories about being called Uncle Denny as a young boy by his classmates. He spent many childhood summers in Kansasville, WI living with his eldest brother Ray and his family. While in Wisconsin, he served as an altar boy, worked in the family grocery store and babysat his nephew, Eddie. Dennis attended Lane Tech High School where he discovered his passion for carpentry while taking woodworking shop classes. After high school he attended Washburn Trade School and completed his carpentry apprenticeship. He worked for the Gustafson-Lindberg Company for 40 years and joined the Chicago District Council of Carpenters – Local 58, of which he was a proud member for 71 years. Carpentry was more than just a job for Dennis. At home, in his spare time you could almost always find him working in his shop. From birdhouses to cutting boards, from desks to tables, Dennis was always tinkering and had a gadget for everything. On November 29, 1958, Dennis married the love of his life, Lois Carling. Happily married for 66 years, together they welcomed 3 adoring children, Laura, Ronald & Lisa. Dennis was drafted by the United States Army where he was on active duty for 4 years. After briefly living in Virginia during his service, Dennis and Lois moved back to Chicago and settled in Albany Park on Avers Avenue. Family vacations to Cable, WI were cherished times for Dennis. Quality time in the Northwoods with family, extended family and dear friends produced life-long memories filled with laughter and love. He also spent many years as part of a league golfing and bowling with his brothers. When he was not in his shop, chances were you could find him tilling in his garden. Tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, onions and so much more. He had more than just a green thumb, he had a farmer's spirit. Not only did he love his garden, but the outdoors in general. After retiring in 1996, he began volunteering at the North Park Village Nature Center on Pulaski Avenue. During his time at the Nature Center he took pride in making repairs and improvements, including beautiful wood benches along the walking paths. He always looked forward to the fall season. Helping to tap the maple trees and boil the sap for Maple Syrup Fest as well as building scarecrows for the Fall Harvest Festival were some of his fondest memories.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Lois Kalbas (nee Carling); and his children Laura (Jeff), Ronald (Peggy), and Lisa (Patrick). He is fondly and lovingly remembered by his ten grandchildren; Elizabeth, Amanda, Katherine, Christopher, Matthew, Meghan, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Ryan and Colin, and many nieces and nephews. His legacy continues through his eleven greatgrandchildren; Nicholas, Audrey, Charlotte, Thomas, Josephine, William, Samuel, Emily, Maggie, Avery & Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; Wenzel & Anna (nee Wilkowski), siblings; brother Raymond (Ruth), brother Harold (Betty), sister Jeanette (Frank Gross), half-sister Caroline (Al Barnowski) & half-brother Bill Kiesgen (Florence).
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday March 22nd at St. Edward Church 4350 W. Sunnyside Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60630 at 11:00 AM. Guests are welcome at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers donations to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607-9962 or to Boys Town 200 Flanagan Blvd PO Box 6000 Boys Town, NE 68010-9988 appreciated. Inurnment at Rosehill Cemetery Chicago, IL. will be announced at a later date.
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Dennis Charles Kalbas, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home in the early morning hours of February 24, 2025. Dennis was born the baby of the family on October 5 1934 in Chicago, IL, the only one of his siblings to be born in the hospital. He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago and always spoke fondly of his youth.