Victor J.Kalchik, Died September 13, 2019

Victor J. Kalchik

Died Sept. 13, 2019

Victor Joseph Kalchik, 88, Lake Leelanau, Michigan, passed away Friday September 13^th in Temecula, California, in his daughter’s home surrounded by family.  Vic fought valiantly against prostate cancer the past couple of years but ended up losing this battle.  Vic is now at peace having received the Church’s Sacraments and having family present for his passing into Eternal Life.

Vic was born May 11, 1931, in Gill’s Pier, Michigan. Vic was one of 11 children born to Wencel and Barbara (Korson) Kalchik on their family farm. Vic resided on the farm until he enlisted into the military service in 1954.

While on leave during his army service, Vic was set up on a blind date with Ruth Cornelia Couturier of Lake Leelanau, Michigan by his cousin Ray Korson.  Their first date went well and over the remainder of Vic’s military service he would write faithfully to “Ruthie my little farm girl!”  After finishing his 3-year military service, Vic returned to Michigan to work at the Ford plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, until the automotive workers elected to strike. Vic took it as a sign from God to seek employment elsewhere. Vic moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he enrolled in evening courses at Washburne Trade School and worked at a temporary job during the day. After getting himself established, Vic asked Ruth to be his bride. They were married September 28, 1957, at Saint Mary’s in Lake Leelanau and returned to Chicago to raise their family.  

Vic received a certificate in Plastics Manufacturing at Washburne Trade School in the spring of 1958 and was soon after hired at Comet Tool & Die, where he worked for the next 37 years making molds for various plastic products. One of the molds Vic had made during his career was for siding, which he decided to use on their home in Lake Leelanau.

Vic and Ruth had eight children one of whom, Daniel, died as an infant.  Victor and Ruth found solace and consolation from their strong faith as Roman Catholics.  Saint Gertrude’s Parish in Franklin Park Illinois turned into Vic and Ruth’s home away from home. This couple served in many capacities at the parish as lay leaders for over 34 years. Vic’s spare time was spent working with the Parish’s Financial Council and serving as a handyman/landscaper and helping with the yearly rummage sale/carnival. Vic’s exceptional generosity is one of his most notable traits. It was natural and spontaneous. Vic was always quick to help out anyone in need, which included providing a room in their home over the years to foreign exchange students, foster children, elderly, and other young adults.  Vic led by example of what it means to be a faithful servant of God.

Vic and Ruth moved back to Lake Leelanau, Michigan for their retirement years in 1995. Vic served as a Knight of Columbus and volunteered for many activities at St. Mary’s Church.  Vic’s idea of retirement was working with his older brother Ivan laying cement until he was 86.  Vic’s unsurmountable work ethic was seen by all.  Vic was grounded by his unshaken faith in The Lord, his dedication and love for his wife and family, his selflessness and his great sense of humor. Vic will be greatly missed as he touched so many people’s hearts.

Victor is survived by Ruth, wife for 62 years; children, David (Toby), Paul, Andrew (Michelle), Laura Wise, Teresa (Erik Skieller), Sandra Fruehe (Daniel), Nadine Gay (Robert); his brother, Ivan; grandchildren, Brandi, Joshua, Miles, Haley, Dylan, Stephanie (Chris), Rachel (Randy), Noelle, Michael, Silke (Mads), Nathan, Zachary, Adam, Olivia (Alex), Austin (Mehgan), Vivian; great-grandchildren, Sofia, Josefine, Amalie, Isaac, Lucas, Matthew, Abella; and many nieces and nephews. 

Victor was proceeded in death by his parents, Wencel and Barbara; his son, Daniel, a son in law, Patrick Wise; his siblings and (in-laws), Wencel (Dorothy), Mary (Leon) Spaulding, Edward (Ann), Christine (George) Coyne, Ann (Donald) Callaghan, Lawrence (Joanne), Tony (Norma), (Eileen), infant siblings Emma and James.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday November 7^th with a 7 p.m. recitation of the Rosary at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday November 8^th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s in Lake Leelanau.  Immediately after the Mass there will be a luncheon for family and friends in the parish hall below the Church.  Interment will take place in Saint Mary’s Cemetery after the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to Saint Mary's School, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653; a favorite charity of Victor and Ruth Kalchik over the course of their lives.

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