Chester D. Kalka, 90, of Drayton, North Dakota passed away at Woodside Village in Grand Forks on Saturday, December 26, 2015.  Chester was born August 4, 1925, the son of Daniel and Mary (Mlodzek) Kalka near Drayton.

He attended rural school and later moved with his family to the Bowesmont, North Dakota area.  Chester engaged in farming with family until enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served with the Combat Engineers in Germany during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he earned his private pilot's license and returned to farming.  Chester married Donna Menzies of Hamilton, North Dakota. They lived and farmed in the Bowesmont area for nearly 60 years. There they raised five children, Greg (Sharon), Drayton, Brad and Paul (Yvonne), Grand Forks, Cheryl (Scott) Carey, Moorhead, MN and Kathy (Greg) Gamez, San Diego, CA.  Chester was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church.

Chester is survived by his wife; five children; 12 grandchildren, Megan, Danielle, Kristen Kalka, Ross, Taryn, Chace Kalka, Lauren (Nick) Mertens, Jameson Berg, Kaylyn (Brad) Kresky, Garrett Gamez, Amanda and Joe Kalka; a great grandchild, Lei-Lana Kalka; a sister, Zenobia Smith, Austin, TX; sisters-in-law, Dorthy Kalka, Grand Forks and Mary Kalka, Ilion, NY; brother-in-law, Henry Mahlman, Golden, CO; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Raphael and Walter Kalka; sister, Leona Efta, Greenbush, MN and a daughter-in-law, Marcy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 30 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Edward's Catholic Church at Drayton.  Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the funeral mass.  Interment will take place in the spring. Fr. Tim Schroeder and Deacon Mike Grzadzielewski, presiding; Yvonne Kalka, reader, Amanda Kalka, soloist and Sharlene Klegstad, organist. Gift bearers, Ross Kalka and Megan Kalka. Honorary casket bearers will be Chester's grandchildren. Military honors will be accorded by the North Dakota National Guard and the Drayton American Legion.