Jerome Edwin "Jerry" Kalkowski

07/06/1937 - 02/14/2026

Jerome Edwin "Jerry" Kalkowski was born July 6, 1937, the son of Steven and Gertrude (Sobieszezyk) Kalkowski in Howard County, (Boelus) Nebraska where he grew up. Jerry was a 1955 graduate of Boelus High School, where he played football, track, baseball and named homecoming king his senior year.
Jerry enlisted in the Air Force and served his country on January 8, 1957, until he was honorably discharged on September 20, 1960. While serving, he was stationed in Battle Creek Mi., a blind date led to marriage to Phyllis Jean Anthony on June 20, 1959, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bellevue, Mi. where he helped raise a wonderful family in the southwest Michigan area.
Jerry was employed as a man of all trades, eventually retiring as a maintenance supervisor at age 65 from Southern Graphics in Battle Creek. He was also employed for many years at Production Plated Plastics in Richland, Mi.
Surviving are his wife, Phyllis; children, Chris (Debra) Kalkowski of Battle Creek, Kim Meninga of Plainwell, Steve (Michelle) Kalkowski of Queen Creek, AZ; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Ellen Bruns of Great Island, Nebraska, Margaret (Jim) Hierlmeier of St. Ankeny, Iowa; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Kalkowski of Kearney, Nebraska and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Steven and Gertrude, brother Jim Kalkowski, a son, Kalvin Kalkowski; son-in-law, Steve Meninga; sister and her husband, Donna Jean and Don Vanderheiden and a brother-in-law, Jerry Bruns.
Jerry loved hunting and fishing. He was raised on a farm in Boelus and always had it in his blood as he worked in his large garden in Michigan, raising vegetables, and "taters". Jerry enjoyed tinkering, working on small engines and could fix just about anything. He remained true to his Nebraska Huskies. Jerry will be remembered for a kind, loving Dad, Husband and Friend.
Friends will be received 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Richland Chapel, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Monsignor Michael Osborn at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Military Honors and a committal service will follow at East Hickory Corners Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 11137 Floria Rd. Delton, Mi. 49046. Personal messages for Jerry's family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.