NEW ULM–Ernest “Ernie” Harold Kalk, age 73, of New Ulm died on November 5, 2023, at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis after an accident that occurred at his home.

A private family prayer service will be held at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the Soldier’s Rest section of the New Ulm City Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

A Public Celebration of Life Service will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Turner Hall in New Ulm with Pastor Nate Scharf leading a prayer service at 4 p.m.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the online guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Ernest “Ernie” Harold Kalk was born November 24, 1949, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to Harold and Ruth (Hansen) Kalk. He was a 1967 graduate from Morgan High School, and furthered his education at Mankato Vocational School where he studied mechanics.

Ernie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. In a time of war, Ernie enlisted in March 1969. After basic training, Ernie was deployed to Vietnam. Ernie was a Specialist (SPC) 4th Class and stationed at HHC US Army Support Command Saigon/Long Binh, Vietnam from November 25, 1969 through November 23, 1972. As a “Clerk-Typist” Ernie provided combat support operations in the motor pool as a mechanic where he worked on a myriad of military vehicles. Ernie was honorably discharged and is a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Soon after his discharge from the service, Ernie met the love of his life, Lynnda Goltz at a dance at the Gibbon Ballroom. He was united in marriage to Lynnda on September 2, 1972. Their union blessed the couple with three sons.

Ernie worked a long and dedicated 38-year career with 3M. Following his retirement, Ernie continued to work as a delivery driver for Hy-Vee. As a man who was proud of his service to his country, Ernie was an active volunteer and driver with the New Ulm DAV, served as a member of the New Ulm American Legion, and was also a member of the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

As an avid outdoorsman, there were few places on earth Ernie enjoyed more than in his tree stand. His ability to turn an 8 second encounter with a buck into a 20 minute monologue complete with gesticulations and the occasional animal noise was legendary. Ernie was born to ride, spending the better part of 60 years on two wheels. Ernie and Lynnda spent countless hours over the road all over the country. He enjoyed time on his Harley, especially rides with his Wednesday riding crew and the occasional trip to Sturgis with his brother and friends.

A man of relatively few words, Ernie’s actions were deafening. A man of impeccable integrity and humility, he helped anyone who asked without regard or expectation of repayment. His work ethic was incomparable. He simply did the right thing, sometime even at great inconvenience to himself, like helping his children move countless times for example. He never said no to anyone who asked for help. Ernie never had a bad word to say about anyone, never complained, and never blamed anyone else for anything.

His loyalty to country and family was absolute. He never passed up an opportunity to be amongst his family, whether it was the holidays, hunting, or simply a phone call and an invite to dinner, Ernie was always there. Ernie was an adoring Papa and Grandfather to his grandkids.

Ernie’s razor-sharp wit endeared him to everyone he was around. He loved every moment he got to spend with his wife, his sons, and his grandchildren. Although Ernie’s passing was sudden and unexpected, his memory will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all who had the honor of knowing him, and laughing with him in life.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Lynnda Kalk of New Ulm; his sons, Jay (Christa) Kalk of Minneapolis, Joshua Kalk of New Ulm, Dan (Char) Kalk of New Ulm; his grandchildren, Eleanor & Lincoln Kalk, Vincent Brown, Caleigh, Codey, and Cayden Heck; his brother, David (Julie) Kalk of Medford; his sisters, Phyllis (Tom) Balko of Redwood Falls, Janice (Jerry) Thorson of Eagle Bend, Jolene Meierding of Eagle Bend; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Harold Kalk; his daughter-in-law, Eden “Bliss” Kalk; and his brother-in-law, David Meierding.

May his memory live on forever.

This We’ll Defend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Brown County (Veteran’s) Emergency Relief Fund, St. Paul’s Lutheran School, New Ulm Comrades of Valor, MVL, or the donor’s choice.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]