Edward L. Kalinowski

Edward Louis Kalinowski, 96, Fertile, Minnesota, formerly of Devils Lake, North Dakota, died Saturday, May 31, 2008, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile. Edward was born on April 3, 1912, to Clemens and Katherine (Rubbelke) Kalinowski at Devils Lake, ND. He grew up near Crary, ND, where he attended country school and graduated from the Crary High School in 1930. While in school, Edward worked on the family farm. After his schooling, he moved to St. Paul, MN, where he worked for Seeger Refrigerator Manufacturing. At the same time, Edward attended night school for welding and machine work. In the late 1930’s, Edward’s father needed help on the farm so he moved home. In 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Force. He was trained in aeronautics and bomber mechanics. Edward was stationed in North Africa and Italy. After his discharge, he returned home to raise small grain and beef cattle with his brother, Clem. On January 3, 1953, Edward married his wife of 45 years, Dorothy Mertens at Van Nuys, CA. He continued farming and also operated a custom combining crew, working from Kansas to Canada. Clem died in 1960, and Edward sold the cows and grew small grains until retiring in 1976. They moved to Devils Lake in 1992, and Dorothy died on August 21, 1998. Edward moved to Sunshine Court in Fertile, to be near his family, in 2002; and in April of this year entered the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile. Orderly, precise, and detailed describe Edward’s character. He was easy going and very hard working. Many friends and neighbors often sought his assistance repairing machinery and welding. Edward enjoyed reminiscing about the past. His Christian faith was evident to all who knew him. Edward is survived by his daughter, Mary (Gary) Kiefert, Fertile; three grandchildren: Nathan (fiancé, Ashley Morgan), Sara Kiefert, and Ryan, all of Fargo, ND; three sisters: Marjorie Kalinowski, St. Stephen, MN, Sister Kathleen Kalinowski, St. Joseph, MN and Rosemary Mahar, Graham, NC; several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers: Leo, Father Walbert (Cyril) and Clement “Clem”. Funeral services will be on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 10 am in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devils Lake, North Dakota. Fr. Charles Leute will celebrate the Mass and music will be provided by Patty Cote. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fertile, Minnesota; Visitation on Thursday will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake, ND one hour prior to the funeral Mass. The Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary immediately before service. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake, ND. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Lake Region Honor Guard, Camp Grafton. Arrangements with Erikson-Vik Funeral Home Fertile, Minnesota (218-945-6141) and Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake, Devils Lake, MN.