Date of Birth:
Wednesday, February 3, 1943
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Age:
82 years old

Richard “Dick” Kalmes

Richard (Dick) Peter Kalmes, age 82, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. He was surrounded by his loving family at St. Mary’s Hospital, Mayo Health Systems.

Richard was born on February 3, 1943, to Arnold and Delphine (Rivers) Kalmes in Rollingstone, MN. He graduated from Rollingstone High School in 1961 and married the love of his life, Marcia Rose Loecher, on May 14, 1966. Together, they raised their family in Rochester, while also spending winters in Apache Junction, AZ.

Dick had a long and successful career as a dedicated salesman and sales manager in the flooring industry. He began his journey at Jerry’s Carpet and spent over 25 years with Hiller’s Flooring America before retiring in 2012. Outside of work, he cherished time spent at the family’s farm in Rollingstone, where he enjoyed the solitude of the woods. A skilled outdoorsman, Dick spent more than 60 years perfecting his deer hunting abilities, passing on his knowledge to his sons, grandchildren, and many others. He also loved fishing with family during annual vacations to Upper Cullen Lake in Nisswa, MN, where he was often the one to out-fish everyone, using his signature mushroom-head jig or daredevil.

A meticulous gardener, Dick was known for his beautiful yard and bountiful vegetable garden, with potatoes and tomatoes being among his favorites. He was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on his favorite teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Vikings, Twins, and Gophers. He also treasured the times spent playing cards with friends and family, and his grandchildren were always the light of his life.

Dick is survived by his sons, Bill Kalmes and Jeff (Mari Jo) Kalmes, both of Rochester; his grandchildren, Jacob Kalmes of Rochester, and Jackie (Reece) Lemke of St. Charles; his sisters, Margaret (Steve) Daley of Lewiston, MN, and Carolyn Kalmes of Winona, MN; and his brother, Stephen (Bonnie) Kalmes of Rollingstone. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Mike Gilson of Spicer, MN and Kevin (Maggie) Loecher of Rochester; sisters-in-law, Lin Rud of Rochester and Sandra (Al) Quintana of Thornton, CO; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia, and his parents, Arnold and Delphine Kalmes.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, as well as one hour before the Mass on Saturday. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Rollingstone, MN at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon.