William Kalkman

William E. Kalkman, 96, of Faulkton, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at Faulkton Senior Living. 

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Faulkton, SD, with Fr. John Short presiding. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Faulkton, with military honors.  A wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, at the church, with visitation one hour prior.

William Edward Kalkman was born on February 5, 1929, in Faulkton, SD, to Bernard John and Catherine (Fanning) Kalkman. He grew up farming alongside his father until 1953, when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Bill completed basic training in San Diego, CA, and continued his service at Camp Pendleton, CA, before being deployed to Korea from 1954 to 1955. After his honorable discharge in 1955, he returned to Faulkton to continue farming.

In October 1953, Bill married Joyce Muehl, and together they raised six children. He managed a diverse farm operation, raising hogs, sheep, and cattle while also growing grain. In 1982, their son, Mike, took over the family farm, allowing Bill and Joyce to move into Faulkton. Bill then worked for the City of Faulkton as city crew chief until his retirement in 1992.

A passionate outdoorsman, Bill loved fishing and tending to his large garden, often sharing its bounty with family and friends. He was an active member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Faulkton VFW, the Faulkton American Legion, City Council, and Lakeside Golf Course, where he served as president in 1993.

Bill had a lifelong love of sports, from coaching his children in boxing during the 1970’s to enthusiastically supporting his grandchildren in football, wrestling, baseball, softball, and track. His dedication to his family, community, and the land he worked, will be fondly remembered.

Bill’s life will forever be cherished by his wife, Joyce; children: Denise (Ed) Kulesa, Clearwater, MN, Kevin (Diane), Huron, Gary (Kimberly), Fairbault, MN, Mike (Lori), Miranda, David (Missy), Cape Coral, FL, and Marianne (Leo) Hartze, Aberdeen; 22 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Consuelo Kalkman and Gayle Charron; and brothers-in-law: Tom and Bob Muehl. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence “Bud” (Dorothy) and Joe Kalkman; and sisters: Mary Ann (Bruce) Hathway and Kathleen (Robert) Cunningham.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with William’s arrangements.