Roger T. Kalsem, 88, of Waterloo, died January 19, 2024, at La Porte City Specialty Care.
He was born March 13, 1935, in
Kelley, Iowa, son of Porter and Cleo (Bates) Kalsem. He graduated from Huxley High School in 1953. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict with two enlistments in light weapons infantry obtaining the rank of Sergeant. Roger transitioned to the Army Reserves and graduated from Officer Candidate School obtaining his commission. In 1974, he received an Honorable Discharge at the rank of 1st Lt. Continuing his education, Roger graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Education and then from Arizona State University with a Masters in Guidance Counseling and a minor in Agronomy.
He married Janice E. Vlasak August 24, 1963, in Toledo, Iowa. She died October 6, 2008. Together, they were members of the Kimball United Methodist Church. In the early years, he taught school in Arizona, California, and Iowa. He was the President and owner operator of Kalsem Implement and Salvage in Waterloo. With his wife, they owned and operated Kalsem's Farm Fresh Vegetables, Sweet Corn for over 40 years. Throughout his life, he worked as a bus driver, milkman, gas station attendant, railroad worker, teacher, coach, counselor, business owner and operator.
Roger is survived by his children, Kevin (Terry) Kalsem of Lovelock, NV, Kenneth (Darlene) Kalsem of Onalaska, WI, and daughter, Nancy Kalsem Turner of Waterloo; six grandchildren: Nicole Turner, Daniel Turner, Grace Kalsem, Levi Kalsem, Leah Kalsem, and Charles Kalsem; one sister, June Squire of Marshalltown; and one brother, Jim Kalsem of Ames.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Janice; two sisters: Marjorie (Loren) Muench, and Becky Gater; one brother, John Kalsem; and Brother-in-law, Herb Squire and sister-in-law, Merlie Kalsem.