Walter Franklin Kalar

Walter Kalar of Olathe passed away in Delta, Colorado, at 88 years old on the 23 of June, 2024. Walter was born on Nov. 8, 1935, in Lake City, Colorado, to Walter Howard Kalar and Edith Ester Vaughn. He attended high school in Olathe where he played football, eventually joining the Army where he achieved sharpshooter status. He was stationed in Germany with Elvis and loved to share stories about all the jokes that they played on each other.

In his younger days he was a cowboy, a roughneck, worked construction and had various jobs throughout the West. He enjoyed his time working with Michael Hert, his best friend for over 35 years. Walter was an avid hunter, fisherman, a lover of the great outdoors, golf and a big fan of the Broncos, Rockies and Avalanche.

He was a man with a great sense of humor, a wonderful storyteller and a handyman who could fix anything.

His first marriage to Bonnie June Luke brought two children, Luke Kalar and Belinda Kalar-Minerich.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, his brother Lawrence Kalar, sisters Barbara Nichols and Martha Nash, his son Luke Kalar and his granddaughter Jessica Henry. He is survived by his 95-year-old sister Flora Sturgeon, his daughter Belinda Kalar-Minerich, his granddaughters Elizabeth Kurlykova and Sarah Kalar, his great-grandchildren Alyona Kurlykova and Tikhon Kurlykova, as well as many nieces and nephews and his special family, Michael and Mary Hert, grandson Brandon Hert and his wife Kimmy Hert and grandchildren Benjamin Hert, Travis Hert and Grayce Hert.

He was loved by many and will remain in their hearts for years to come. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at Grand View Cemetery.

Crippin Funeral Home assisted with details; 970-249-2121.