Kenneth James Kalata

Kenneth James Kalata, 65, passed away on April 22, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with C.O.P.D. and emphysema. He was born in Wild Rose, Wisconsin to James and Juanita (Henke) Kalata. He grew up in Ripon then later moved to Dalton, WI.

Ken loved being outdoors. He worked as a steel worker and a farm hand at a few area farms. Ken’s hobbies were hunting, doing rabbit hunts, and sitting by the campfire. Ken worked hard and played harder. Ken enjoyed doing things for people, snowplowing, mowing lawn, fixing equipment, and building things with his hands. It brought him great joy to show off his latest project. It was usually either tinkering on a building or whatever mechanical project he was working on. He never expected much in return.

Ken is survived by his daughters Kathy (Wayne) Robertson, Laura (Jeremy) Lewandowski, and their mother Sharon Swainston-Kalata-Ross; daughters Crystal (Patrick) Fabar, Angela (Joey) Machovec, and their mother Carol Hayes-Werla; grandchildren Lisa, William, Mary, Kenneth Robertson, James (Kelby) Kalata, Aidan Farbar, Alicia, Joslyn, Erica Machovec; great-grandchildren Freya and Lucian Kalata. He is further survived by brothers Mel of Ripon and Rod of Oshkosh; sister Ann (James) Abraham of Fox Lake; nephew Jeromy (Debbie) Dahlke; niece Krista (Jeremy) Lutz; great nephews Aiden, Ethan, Jason Lutz; close friend Mark Schwock; cousin Richard Mcdougal; uncles Phil and Bob (Velma); Aunt Pat; and many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents James and Juanita Kalata; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Per Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place and he will be laid to rest near his mom and dad at a later date. A celebration of life is being planned.