Jerome Louis Kalinec (Jerry), 84, passed away peacefully in Alice, Texas on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving wife Johanna and family. He was a loving, kind husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was born in Alice, Texas to Joseph F. Kalinec, Sr and Frances Hlavac Kalinec on January 30, 1937.
Jerry was a devout Catholic and had a faithful marriage to Johanna for 62 years. He was a proud family man. Jerry was fun-loving and enjoyed life and being around his family, and friends. He enjoyed playing with his grandkids and making them laugh. He was a skilled craftsman and spent many hours in his workshop working on projects and fixing things for family, friends, and the church. Jerry enjoyed making apple strudel, writing poetry, drafting and photography. Jerry and Johanna went on many fun filled trips and adventures around the world making lifetime memories and friends. He lived a full life.
After graduating from Williams Adams High School in Alice, TX. Jerry went to work for Dixie Iron Works as a manual machinist and retired after 65+ years of employment. He was a lifelong member of St Elizabeth Catholic Church. As a faithful man of God, he was involved in many organizations of the church, which included, religious instruction, Eucharistic Minister, usher, lecture, and A.C.T.S. Retreat. He was also involved with the Knights of Columbus #2992. Jerry held many different offices including Grand Knight and District Deputy. He was also a member of the Fourth-Degree assembly of Kingsville, TX. Jerry was an avid Boy Scout Leader, where he earned the rank of Order of the Arrow. He enjoyed working and teaching young men survival skills for outdoors and everyday life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. Kalinec Sr, and Frances B (Hlavac) Kalinec, brothers Joseph F. Kalinec Jr, George J. Kalinec, Charles E. Kalinec, Henry Kalinec and Frank Kalinec. His In-laws, Wilhelm, and Louise Wursthorn; sisters-in-law Brenda Sue Kalinec, and Mary Wursthorn; brothers-in-law Don Olsen, Frank Wursthorn: and son-in-law Jon T. Long and nephew Paul Kalinec and niece Patricia Kalinec.
Loved ones left to cherish his memories are his wife Johanna Kalinec of Alice, Texas. His five children, Katherine (Vernon) Hajek of Kingsville, TX, Jerome (Sandy) Kalinec Jr. of Victoria, TX, Jacqueline (James) Wishard of Orange Grove, TX, Shawn (Cathleen) Kalinec, of Friendswood, TX, and Cheryl (the late, Jon) Long of Corpus Christi, TX.
His brother Benjamin (Olene) Kalinec of Waller, TX, sisters Frances Olsen of Las Vegas and Dorothy (Ronnie) Bertanga of Corpus Christi, TX. Grandchildren, Amanda (Clay) Hajek-Elkins, Natalie (Jody) Clark, Alexandra Hajek, Treigh Kalinec, Deborah Wright, Preston Wright, Brennon Wright, Tristan Wright, Faith Kalinec, Megan Long, Miranda Long and Jon Conner Long. Great grandchildren Nyssa, Olyvia, Elijah, Story and Lyric. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
We would like to say a special thank you to JoAnn Bolden and the staff of Premier Memory Care for their care and support.
Services will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Alice, TX on Saturday, January 22, 2022, Rosary will begin at 10:00 A.M. Funeral mass will begin at 10:30 A.M. followed by interment at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Elizabeth’s Church/School or the American Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas 78332.
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