George Kalman

George Kalman was a hard worker, a loyal friend, and “the world’s best cook” according to his grandson, Jack, but first and foremost, George was a man with a big heart. He was always looking for a way in which he could lend a hand whether in ways great or small. A lifelong resident of the Holland area, George enjoyed spending time on the water and pulled many a water skier behind his boat over the years. He was a man of faith who made it a priority to find time to be quiet and still amidst the everyday hustle and bustle of life. George was a man of great strength who leaves behind lessons in courage, strength, and integrity.

The 1930s were a time in American history that was very much defined by the Great Depression, but there were many other noteworthy events during this time as well. It was in the year 1934 that Fenway Park caught fire for the second time, Shirley Temple appeared in her first movie, and the first x-ray of the entire body was taken. This was a year for great celebration for the family of James and Kazimiera Kalman as they welcomed the birth of their son, George Carl, on February 22nd. Born in Holland, Michigan, George was the youngest of six children in his family. George’s parents were both immigrants from Poland. His father worked as a laborer while his mother stayed home. George was raised in the family home on North River Avenue just a stone’s throw from Lake Macatawa. George served as an altar boy and attended a local Catholic school, St. Francis, during his elementary school years. As a young teenager George worked as a pin setter at the local bowling alley and also at a corner pizza place.

After graduating from Holland High, George enlisted in the Army. He served from 1952 until 1955. After his duty to his country was fulfilled, George went to Davenport Business School and earned his degree. His first real job in his chosen career was as a credit manager at Holland Furnace Company. George later worked for LSI of Holland and for Howard Miller Clock Company.

Not only did earning a degree and establishing a career keep George busy as a young man, but so did his personal life. Life was forever changed when he was introduced to the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was MaryAnn Klamt and they met through family friends at church. After falling deeply in love, the couple was united in marriage. The newlyweds settled into their first home on West 14th Street, but later moved to a home on Central Avenue and then on Cherry. Finally in 1965, they made a house at 165 East 26th Street their home and remained there for over 40 years.

Nothing could have thrilled George more than becoming a father to three wonderful children: Kim, Kyle, and Kenneth. He was the disciplinarian of the home, but always made sure there were plenty of fun times with his children as well. Countless fun-filled memories were made aboard their 23-foot Slick Craft. George pulled many water skiers behind that boat through the years. Big Bass Lake was always a family favorite where they did plenty of fishing, boating, and skiing. As his children grew older, George took an old 1967 Mustang and fixed it up for his kids. This was quite the car and it was certainly amazing that the car made it through both the Kalman boys!

There are numerous things that made George such an amazing man. He was low-key and soft spoken, yet decisive so when there was an important decision to be made in the family, George was the one to make it. His heart was as big as they come as George was always at the ready to help a friend or family member with things such as building a pool or helping his sister at her restaurant among many more. He was a loyal friend who treasured his lifelong friendship with Patty and Merle Driesenga. Together their families enjoyed boating, legendary pool parties, and dinners on a regular basis. Those who knew George knew that he was very organized with a certain spot for everything. He was also particular about his appearance as he was always neat and impeccably dressed, even ironing his own clothes. In fact, he was particular about nearly everything and taught his daughter the proper way to wrap a Christmas present.

George was a man of many interests. He was a great cook who was famous for his turkey at Thanksgiving, his ribs for the Fourth of July, and his mouth-watering meatballs. George took great pride in handling everything including the planning, the shopping, and the cooking for Sunday dinners. This was always his favorite day of the week as it was a time for his family to gather together in his home and just enjoy one another. George spent a lot of time socializing with his friends down at the Holland Elks Club #1315 where he went to enjoy dinner or just a beer. He was a lifelong member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and also played on the Holland City Softball League for many several years. George took time for himself as well, regularly spending time in the mornings at Bob Evans where he enjoyed the newspaper and a cup of coffee. After he retired, George went to work part-time as an associate for Wal-Mart in Holland. Once he became a grandfather, George made spending time with his grandchildren a priority and often went to their activities including flag football games, soccer games, and Christmas programs.

To George Kalman, life was about spending time with those he loved while making the most of each day. He loved many things like traveling with his wife, a beer shared with friends, and Sunday afternoons with his family. George was generous, kind-hearted, and organized in everything he did. He was blessed to share more than 50 years with the love of his life with whom he created the family he cherished above all else. George will be dearly missed.

George Carl Kalman of Holland died Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Hospice House of Holland. George’s family includes family includes: wife of 53 years MaryAnn Kalman; daughter, Kim Kalman, son, Kyle, (Jennifer) Kalman, and son, Kenneth Kalman; two grandchildren, Jack and Megan; sisters Juanita Nesselhauf, Alyce Baker, Agnes Kehrwecker; brothers-in-law Ron (Lorraine) Klamt, and Art Klamt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. George was preceded in death by his brother, Kazmer Kalman, and his sister, Carolyn Holcomb. Services will be 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Visit with George’s family and friends from 2-4 and 7-9 Wednesday at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel – Holland, MI, 188 West 32nd Street. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Hospice House or The Boven Birth Center.