Memorials › Joe Kalenda
Joe Kalenda
8 May 1930 – 8 Aug 2023
| Birth | 8 May 1930 |
| Death | 8 Aug 2023 |
| Cemetery | Hallsville Cemetery Hallsville , Harrison County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | KD Burleson on 20 Aug 2023 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/258120793 |
Bio
Joe Kalenda,93, of Hallsville, Texas, was born on May 8, 1930, at home near Seaton, Texas, to Charles and Veronika Kalenda, immigrants from Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic. He was the ninth of ten children. He attended Little Flock school, a rural school with only two classrooms and two teachers, near Temple, Texas. He graduated from Temple High School in 1947. After graduation, he worked in the appliance, air conditioning, and refrigeration repair business until January 1951 when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Philippines, Korea, and Guam. He was blessed to serve on the same ship with his younger brother John. After discharge in October of 1954, he continued working in his old profession. In September 1957, he enrolled in night school at Temple Junior College to avoid losing his eligibility for the G.I. bill. He was fortunate to have an instructor who clarified algebra for him, thus giving him the confidence to further his education. He completed the curriculum at TJC and transferred to UT Austin, graduating in June of 1962 with BS degree in mechanical engineering. Being the first generation to receive a college degree. During this period, he also met his wife to be, Florence Sturm, and they were married on March 9, 1958, a marriage that would last 55 years. Upon graduation, he, his wife and their two children Carol and Terry, moved to Longview where he went to work for Texas Eastman Kodak. In January 1963 they relocated to Hallsville and Carol and Terry were joined by sisters Karen and Lori. He and his family were active members of First Lutheran Church in Longview where he and Florence served in numerous roles in the church. At Texas Eastman, Joe served in various capacities for 28 plus years until his retirement in February 1991 as Power Department Superintendent. After retirement he and Florence delivered Meals on Wheels in Longview for many years. Joe was also active in the Hallsville community serving on the first Park Board, and as a city alderman on two separate occasions. He also became a volunteer consultant for the city. He enjoyed raising a large garden and taking care of his acreage. He expressed that seeing his children grow up in a rural atmosphere then seeing them graduate from college and become responsible adults was a great source of pride. One of his greatest loves was polka music because of his Czech heritage. He enjoyed playing a button accordion to entertain. He and his best friend Egon Dangel provided Oktoberfest music for many years in surrounding venues in East Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Florence, grandson Dylan Rice, eight siblings and several nephews.
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Family
Parents
Spouse
Siblings
- Charles Kalenda Jr 1907–1994
- Frank Kalenda 1909–2002
- Vlasta Frances Kalenda Coufal 1911–2005
- Olga Ann Kalenda Gassiot 1914–2006
- Martha L. Kalenda Talasek 1916–2010
- Henry Kalenda 1919–1982
- Mary R Kalenda Chaloupka 1921–1989
- Lillian Ruth Kalenda Musgrove 1924–2017
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