Gerald F. "Jerry" Kallaus

Gerald F. “Jerry” Kallaus, entered his eternal life on August 4, 2021, in Goddard Kansas. He was born December 5, 1939, in Parsons, Kansas. He graduated from Kinsley High School in Kinsley, KS, in 1957 and joined the Navy in 1958. He spent two years in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and two years in Hawaii as a Naval radioman. He went to Salt City Business College from 1963-1964. There he met and married Anne Osner on October 3, 1964, and it was there they started their family. Together they raised three boys, Gregory, Steven, and Bradley. Jerry had a long career with JCPenney. He began in Mission, KS, as a credit department data processing manager. He then transferred to Philadelphia, PA, where he also became the manager of data processing. From there he transferred to Columbus, OH, for JCPenney Catalog. He retired after 30 years in 1995. He was a very avid woodworker and built many beautiful things from clocks to desks to cedar chests, as well as many picture frames which will always be loved and treasured by family. He was a wonderful, loving father that loved to play with his children. He enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with them. Anne and Jerry would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in October. He was a very loving and attentive husband. He always planned ahead, and knew what Anne needed even before she did. Jerry never knew a stranger, and he had many friends. He will be truly missed by all who loved him. Jerry was preceded in death by sons, Steven and Bradley Kallaus; father, Robert Kallaus; mother, Maria Schinstock, as well as his brother, Robert Jr, and sisters, Barbara and Alice; father-in-law, Omar R. Osner; mother-in-law, Margaret Thissen Osner, and a sister-in-law, Rita Osner Walpehorst. Survivors include his wife, Anne; son, Gregory of Hutchinson KS; grandchildren, Kyle (Miranda), Carrie and Aaron, all of Ohio, and great-grandson, Steven Kallaus. Other survivors include a brother, Ronald, and sister, Leona, as well as nine sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on August 10, 2021, with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 1:00 p.m. and Mass at 1:30 p.m., all at Church of the Holy Spirit in Goddard, KS. Interment will be in Kinsley, KS, at 1:30 p.m., on August 12, 2021, in Saint Nicholas Cemetery. Memorials may be made in memory of Jerry to Hospice Care of Hutchinson. Arrangements by Downing & Lahey Mortuary West in Wichita.