Randy J. Kalata

Randy J. Kalata, 68, of Almond, Wisc., passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, October 15, 2024 after a courageous 11-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Randy was born June 20, 1956 in Sheboygan, the son of Ronald and Joyce (Bonnell) Kalata. He grew up in Spring Lake and attended Wautoma Area Schools, graduating in 1975. Randy married Debra Nowak on August 16, 1975 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Plainfield, and together had two children.

Randy was a very talented mechanic who would fix anything and was always willing to help anyone. He started working at Kelley Sand & Gravel while in High School. He then went to work for Waushara County Highway Department in 1978 as a mechanic and was promoted to Shop Superintendent in 2000. Randy worked there for 37 years until his retirement in 2014.

In his spare time, he loved hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, cutting firewood, and being in the woods. Most of all, Randy loved spending time with his grandchildren. Randy was also instrumental in both of his sons' success at local race tracks in their respective divisions. He enjoyed wrenching on the cars in the shop as well as at the track.

Randy is survived by his loving family including wife, Deb Kalata; children, Mark (Dawn) Kalata and Tyler (Leah) Kalata; grandchildren, Tegan Dain and Celia Kalata; siblings, Debra (Paul) Weiss, Tish (Steve) Kemps; Karen (Steve Rothermel) Kalata, Uncle Dick and Aunt Donna Kalata; Aunt Dorothy Bonnell; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ricky Kalata, paternal grandparents Joseph & Celia Kalata and maternal grandparents Lester & Dorena Bonnell.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their support and care of Randy during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Randy’s name to Heartland Hospice at www.gentivahs.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at DJ’s Corner Bar and Event Hall, Hwy 73, Bancroft, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a luncheon served from 12 to 2 p.m.  Stahl Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family with arrangements, www.stahlfuneralhome.com