Wilfred Harold Kalmoe, age 95, died peacefully March 16 at Zumbrota Health Services in Zumbrota. Wilfred is survived by his wife Mavis of over 68 years, daughter, Nancy (Scott) Stearns of Zumbrota; son, Ronald (Tefra) Kalmoe of Prescott, AZ; grandson, LaDre’ Wellman; granddaughter, Alyssa Kalmoe; sister, Adelaine Kalmoe; sister-In-Law Audrey Kalmoe; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers.

 

Wilfred was born in rural Montevideo on Oct. 19, 1921. After graduating from high school in 1939, he attended college in Montevideo focusing on pilot training.  From 1942 to 1946 Wilfred was an aviator “Hell Diver” pilot with the US Marines with an ending rank of First Lieutenant.  After leaving the service, Wilfred attended watch making school and was in the business from 1946 to 1958.  During that time, he owned Kalmoe’s Jewelry Store in Granite Falls.

 

September 17, 1948, Wilfred married Mavis Zoch of Hanley Falls. They had two children, Ronald in 1949 and Nancy in 1953.  In 1959, the family moved to Crystal where Wilfred had gone to work for Honeywell in 1958 as a machine technician. In 1984, Wilfred retired from Honeywell after 25 years as an engineering aide in military fuse development.

 

After retiring from Honeywell, Will and Mavis moved to Pine City where the family had a lake home on Pokegama Lake just outside of town. They resided there until 1995 when they moved to Becker.  In 1977 Granddaughter Alyssa was born and in 1992 Grandson LaDre’ was born. Will enjoyed both of their company very much and always asked about what the kids were up to.

 

In 2015, Wilfred and Mavis moved to Zumbrota, MN where they were adopted with open arms into the community and especially the staff at the Zumbrota Health Services and the VFW family. The family of Wilfred wishes to especially thank these folks for all of their thoughts, support, and kind deeds over the last two years.  Everyone has been most gracious.

 

Funeral service was Mon., March 20 at United Redeemer Lutheran Church, Zumbrota, Pastor Wayne Radke officiated. Visitation was prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Zumbrota Cemetery with military honors provided by Stary-Yerka VFW Post # 5727 of Zumbrota. Arrangements are with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota.