Walter “Bud” H. Kalb, 81, of Ontario passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Walter “Bud” was born April 21, 1934, to Walter H. and Evelyn (Strandberg) Kalb in Chicago. On April 24, 1954, he married his best friend, Patricia “Sis” Nowakowski. Together they owned a plumbing company in the Chicago area for many years.
When their children were young, they enjoyed traveling and camping. On one of their many adventures, they discovered Wildcat Mountain State Park and the village of Ontario. This is where they found their piece of paradise and built Brush Creek Campground. They enjoyed the next 30 years camping in their own little utopia. In the offseason, Bud and Sis found themselves in Yuma, Ariz. He was known for playing Santa Claus to many of his friends and neighbors there. Driving through the desert in his dune buggy was another favored pastime of Walter’s.
Walter is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia, “Sis”; his son, Doug Kalb of Ontario; his daughter, Kathy (Glen) Schendel of Sparta; his brother, Dwight Kalb of Florida; six grandchildren, Jacob Caterina, Jordan and Jeremy Kalb, Craig Schendel, Ken (Kristin) Schendel and Kelli (Damian) Pasch; six great-grandchildren, Madison Schendel, Tyler, Tanner and Brielle Schendel, Bromley Pasch and Canan; along with many other relatives and friends.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William Kalb.
A celebration of Walter’s life will be held at a later date. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered online at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
