"Karen and Family. My name is Gerardo (Nini) Castaneda. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I met John (Kava) while we were both in grammar school together (St. Michael) and later went to the same High school together (St. Francis de Sales) and then later as we were both part of the Savages. I am sorry to have lost touch with him in later years but will always remember him to be such a kind soul and true friend. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family on this difficult time for you. Rest in peace Kava we will keep you in our prayers. God bless Sincerely Gerardo Castaneda and family"
In loving memory of
John Paul Kalwasinski
February 26, 1960 - January 5, 2019
John Paul Kalwasinski, 58, of Rochester, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer.
John was born February 26, 1960 in Evergreen Park, IL to Frank and Vivian (Moore) Kalwasinski. He was a 1978 graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School in Chicago, IL and went on to receive his bachelor degree from Concordia College. On May 26, 1984, John married Karen Zdzinicki. He worked as a financial analyst at IBM for 37 years and retired in 2018. John was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was a member of The Knights of Columbus. He loved to travel to the Caribbean, Aruba and most recently The Grand Canyon. John and Karen also enjoyed traveling to destinations that included Margaritaville, which helped fuel his love and passion for music. Along with music, John loved sports and sports statistics. He was a huge Chicago Bears and Notre Dame fan. John was known for his famous meatloaf, could fix just about anything after tinkering with it long enough and spent countless hours rocking in his rocking chair. He was a strong willed, hard working and proud man. He had a boisterous personality, and loved entertaining family and friends. Above all, John was a devoted husband and father.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Karen; children, Steven (Jennie Gappa) Kalwasinski of Madelia, MN, Daniel Kalwasinski of Rochester, Brian (Courtney) Kalwasinski of Tonka Bay, MN, Michael Kalwasinski of Rochester, Lauren Kalwasinski of Rochester; grandson, Barrett Kalwasinski; sisters, Frances (Jack) Smith of Lebanon, TN, Susan (John) Matejko of Reno, NV and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Vivian.
A Memorial Mass to celebrate John's life will be held 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2019 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave. NW, Rochester, Father Tom Loomis celebrant. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes of Rochester are honored to be serving the Kalwasinski family; special memories or condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Hello Karen and family. My name is Mark Nykowski. I went to grammer and high school with John. Remember his mom fairly well. Think he grew up on 81st and exchange. I'm so sorry to hear. What a nice guy. Prayers and strength to you and the family. "
"Thinking and Praying for your family. "
"Karen and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Robyn and Don Davis "
"Hello Karen and Family My name is Abelardo Lardy Rodríguez my condolences on the loss of Kava when we were younger we hung out Kava had this little apartment where we all hung out the place was very small yet we all crammed in to watch whatever sports were on listen to music and watch Kava place some mean air drums he was always so full of life laughing and quick to leans a hand my life was made better by having Kava in my life Brother you will be missed we shall meet again "
"John was affectionately known to my family as Kava. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, the Savages were a group of my brother Sergio?s friends that played sports and hung out. Although I was much younger, I got a chance to hang out with them as well. I?ll always remember Kava as a brother. The very first drum set I ever played was he had in his living room in his apartment. I must of been ok because he encouraged me to continue. I?ve been playing ever since. So long big guy. May the Good Lord have you at his side. And when she turns This boy will be gone So long . . . Sometimes . . . You just gotta walk on Springsteen "
"Thinking about all of you at this hardship in your life. Thoughts and prayers. John is going to be missed and I can?t believe he is gone. He was way too young. "
"We are so sorry to hear about the loss of John. We do remember meeting him the first time with Lauren at MSU. It is with sad hearts that we are writing this note. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in abundance. Eric & Debbie Huffman (Nicole's mom and dad) "
"Hi Karen and family.
So sorry for your loss. My name is Denise Perez , John was a good friend of the family..As Kidd?s John would come by and have lunch or dinner with the Perez?s and enjoy fun conversation with my mom and family..Again My thought and prayers are with you all.God Bless and be comforted by his memories.
Denise M Perez"
"Sorry for your loss Kalwasinski family. John was a great guy and I have very fond memories of John on those long car rides to hockey games with Brian. Thinking of you guys!"
"Karen and Family: Steve and I are so sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories you hold in your heart help ease some of the loss you are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Deb and Steve Knutson"
"To Karen and John's family my sincerest condolences. Having worked with John for a number of years I always enjoyed a good talk with him. He had that personality that just drew you in. I know he will be missed by so many. "
"I knew John as John K. I worked with him for several years in IBM. He was a true friend and advocate. I am grateful to God for the time I was allowed to know John. I believe my life is better for having spent time with him. May God Bless those he left behind. "
"REST IN PEACE JOHN CAVA YOU WERE A GREAT GREAT GREAT FRIEND MAY GOD GIVE YOUR WIFE KAREN AND CHILDREN THE STRENTH TO CARRY ON GOD BLESS. THEM JOE PEREZ"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. We will cherish the memories together at MSU. Go Green! ? Our deepest sympathies to you all. Char & Jeff "
"I am so sorry to hear this. I worked with John many years ago, but remember him fondly. May his family find peace and comfort during this difficult time."
"To John?s family, Your husband and Dad John, was part of a group of close friends from St. Francis de Sales high school, we called ourselves, ?The Savages ? and we used to hang around together and loved playing sports in all the different, surrounding neighborhoods; football, 16 softball, basketball, horseshoes and we would also go camping at a place called Woodhaven. Our motto was, ?we?re not a club, we?re bums!? We rarely called him John, to us he was always Kava and he was a strong giant but he really wasn?t a mean guy at all. I remember him being fun-loving, quick to laugh and always welcoming us to his little apartment during our ?Savages? era. Connie?s Pizza, Gayety?s Ice Cream, cookouts at Calumet Park listening to Springsteen on the lakefront and Woodhaven, all great memories shared with and made all the more special because of a guy named Kava. We drifted apart as time passed and we all got older but he will forever be remembered for the special man that he always was. The world is a little less brighter knowing that he has moved on to a better place. Rest In peace my friend, I?m a better man for having known you brother. Carlos Medina......?Pierre.? ?The Savages had a homecomings, at Kava?s late last night.......? From Springsteen?s ?Jungleland.?"
"Such a good guy! Absolutely the best! Greg and I enjoyed many Hockey games, traveling to the cities and back, with John and Brian. Your loss hurts my heart. My deepest sympathies to the whole family. "
"Karen and family, so sorry to hear about John passing. It truly is a shock. John was one of the best persons tha I worked with over my 38 years with IBM. He was a true friend and always there to help you. I know he will be missed greatly . My deepest sympathies. David R Knowlton"
"We love our Johnny( aka Pool boy, Juan.) John had a personality larger then life! We loved his zest for everything fun and in particular, his love for his wife and children. He and Karen raised wonderful kids, which is part of Johns legacy. We will meet again someday, our friend. Keep them laughing in heaven. We will keep Karen close. Hugs, love, and prayers to the Kal7 family. Love Kristi and Ron"
"Sending prayers and hugs to all, RIP John !!"
"MANY PRAYERS SENT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, NEVER FORGET THE MEMORIES"
"John will be missed by anybody who has ever met him. He had the best smile and a great personality. We will miss him so much. Patty Schreiber"
"John had such a way of making everyone part of his family. He helped raise our sons as neighbor kids... everything from football to fireworks. We love being a small part of the K. neighbor hood family. We will miss his help, smile, and laugh. The Olson family "
"Hugs and prayers to Karen and family during this difficult time. Hoping wonderful memories will provide comfort to you now and in the future. He was a warm, funny, happy, compassionate man. It was honor to call him a friend."
"Prayers & support for Karen & the K-clan. John is well taken care of! MK & JimBohn"
"Hugs and prayers to you and family."
"Karen and Family --- I worked with Johnny K for many years... He was a great guy! Blessed be his memory!"
"My heart and thoughts are with you. My condolences. "
"My heart and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for this tragic loss. "
"My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you. Johnny aka Juan until we meet again"