Gary James Kalka, age 62 of Lakeland, died unexpectedly on March 14, 2019.

Gary was born on February 6, 1957 in Cook County, Illinois; the son of Albert and Clara (Libner) Kalka. On December 19, 1981, Gary was united in marriage to Cheryl Olson. They spent many wonderful years together until her passing in 2009. Gary was blessed to find another love, Elizabeth “Beth” Conery and they were united in marriage on July 4, 2015. He worked for Liberty Tool and Engineering in New Hope, MN as a tool grinder.

Gary was full of life and laughter. You knew he enjoyed your company if he teased you a lot. Gary supported and loved everyone equally and endlessly in his family. He was a man of strong will but also had a heart of gold. Gary was a jack of all trades and master of none. He enjoyed fixing up his home and doing projects with his very own hands. Gary loved the company of animals; especially dogs. He adored his grandchildren and would do anything and everything for them. Gary was a wonderful man who will be dearly missed by those who love him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Beth; children, Dan (Kay), Mike (Heather), Tony, Bryna, Andy, Aimee, and nephew, God-son, Jerry (Dawn); grandchildren, Cierra, Brea, Brady, Kyle, Abby, Tessa, Aidan, Owen, Hannah, Aunie, Victoria, Kevin, and Teron; special great-niece and nephews, Koel, Adrian, and Mina; siblings, Celeste and Al; Lifetime friend Jan Uldricks and John Kennedy, as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Cheri; and his parents, Albert and Clara.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 16770 13th St. South, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN. A luncheon and time for visitation will begin at 4:00pm at Hop and Barrel Brewing, 310 2nd St. Hudson, WI. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI.