Obituaries

 

 

 

 Edward J. Kalchik
Died Feb. 24, 2015

NORTHPORT — Edward J. Kalchik, 88, of Northport, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Tendercare in Suttons Bay. He was born Feb. 2, 1927. Edward was whole-heartedly attempting to recover from brain cancer surgery that had been performed a month earlier. He was pleasant and thinking of others until his last day. Those lucky enough to know him were not surprised by his optimism nor selflessness, even during his trying time.

Edward was one of 11 children born to Wencel and Barbara (Korson) Kalchik. His birth was on the family farm, where Ed would later raise his own family. His childhood was full of adventure and gravitated to love of outdoors and farming. Sneaking down to swim in Lake Michigan was enjoyed by Edward and his brothers when possible. Faith and family were paramount in Edward’s life from beginning to end.

After school in Northport, Ed stayed to help farm until being called to serve in the U.S. Army in 1946. Edward was stationed in Germany, policing and transporting German POWs for a year and a half. He could recall many specifics of his service, and one of his proudest possessions were a pair of ashtrays made of matchsticks created by a German prisoner.
Returning to Northport after the war, Edward turned to a maritime experience of a couple sailing seasons serving as car handler and watchman. During this time a romance was kindled between Edward and the woman of his dreams, Anne Sedlacek, with whom he’d spend the rest of his life.

Having a strong urge to farm, Ed began on Old Mission Peninsula working with and for Ozzy Herkner, whom he held in high regard. After four years Ed returned to Leelanau County to assist his aging father with the running of the farm. As with many farmers, a second income was required and Ed landed a truck driving job for Comstock Construction. He quickly advanced to proud union carpenter and helped guide building at Munson hospital, Grand Traverse Resort and Northport School, to name a few. Coupled with this full-time job were the daily demands of farming, which would keep Ed working until sunset and beyond.

Ed and Anne’s family began with the arrival of Barbara Anne in 1953. Son, Mark, was born in 1957 and daughter, Patricia, born in 1961, completed the family. All worked toward making the farm successful and were proud to be totally self-sufficient, a rare achievement. As Edward ended his construction career of 25 years he got the opportunity to do what he loved, working his own land full-time, which became an easier task as Mark learned and performed the many repair and farming techniques his father demonstrated.
Edward produced hay and grains and raised cattle, resisting the change to orchards and vineyards. Ed’s stewardship and love of land is permanent, as is evidenced by his straight rows and high yields.

The family farm is on a winding knob off Lake Michigan, and every winter Ed would get dressed in the middle of the night and pull out drivers who couldn’t make it through the drifted road. Edward certainly did this more than one-hundred times, and never once accepted payment. Ed was enchanted with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, and he showed them so much about life and how to live it with passion and patience.
Edward is survived by Anne, wife of 66 years; daughter, Barbara (Bradley) Price; son, Mark; daughter, Patricia Grimmer; brothers, Ivan and Victor (Ruth); grandchildren, Lindsay (Dan) Sapp, Ajax and Rory Price, Savannah and Annalise Grimmer; great-granddaughter, Marni Sapp; and many nephews and nieces.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Wencel; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wencel (Dorothy), Tony (Norma), Lawrence (Joanne) and Eileen Kalchik; sisters and brothers-in-law, Christina (George) Coyne, Mary (Leon) Spaulding and Ann (Don) Callagan; a son-in-law, Dale Grimmer and two infant siblings.

The family thanks the staff at Munson hospital and Tendercare in Suttons Bay for attempting to heal and rehabilitate Ed. Many thanks goes to the generous people who have stepped forward with visits, prayers, food and support during this loss. Thank you to Martinson Funeral Home for their support and organization.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, with a 7 p.m. rosary recitation, at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, at 11 a.m., at St. Wenceslaus Church, Gills Pier, with the family greeting friends one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, consider directing donations to the Shriners at 1 (800) 491-1979; or Wounded Warrior Project at 1 (877) 768-6807; or any organization of your choice.

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