Donald Joseph Kalla, age 93, of Clearwater passed away peacefully on December 13, after a life richly lived in faith, family, hard work, and quick-witted humor.
Donald was born on July 5, 1932, to Peter and Rebecca (Emmel) Kalla. He grew up during the Great Depression, teaching him valuable lessons of resourcefulness. Donald grew up on the family farm in Albany where his mother was a schoolteacher. He proudly boasts that he skipped the third grade. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army with honor, an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and lifelong sense of duty.
On May 28, 1960, he married the love of his life Marlene Kuechle, beginning a devoted journey of marriage and family. In May of 2025, they celebrated 65 years of marriage. In 1970, Don fulfilled a lifelong dream when he bought a farm in Clearwater, Minn., where he lived the life he loved—working the land, caring for his animals, and enjoying the outdoors. He found great joy in farming, fishing and hunting, and remarkedly, he continued hunting right up to the age of 93.
Donald was known for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and infectious smile. He could make anyone laugh, often when they least expected it. Just as easily as he brought laughter, he brought solutions. Don had the rare ability to fix anything and could invent a creative solution to any problem set before him.
He spent many years as a highly-skilled backhoe operator for Barbarossa Construction Company, working on sewer and water systems in the five-state area. He was also a proud member of the Albany Legion and the Local 49ers Union. He remained active in the Local 49ers for 66 years, a testament to his dedication, talent, and work ethic.
Donald was a man of deep faith and was an active member of St. Lukes Catholic Church where he lived out his beliefs through service and quiet leadership. He was also a devoted member of the Clearwater Lions where he was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for outstanding service to the community.
Above all else, Don deeply loved his children—Wayne, Gary, Lisa, and Kenny, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride, and he showed that love through a steady presence, life lessons, and unwavering support.
Donald will be remembered for his strong faith, quick humor, mechanical ingenuity, love of the outdoors, and enduring devotion to his family and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the values he passed down.
We would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Scott Rahm and the many doctors and nurses at CentraCare and St. Croix Hospice.
He was survived by: Marlene Kalla (wife); children, Wayne (special friend Kay), Gary (special friend Joann), Lisa, Kenny (Lila); Joanne Anastasia (sister); many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donald was proceeded in death by: parents, Peter and Rebecca; brothers, Delmer, Ronald, Dale, Gerald, and Floyd; daughter-in-laws, Patricia Kalla (Wayne) and Lisa Kalla (Gary), and many brothers/sisters-in-law.
Visitation will be held at the Church of St. Lukes in Clearwater, Minn., on December 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., and Friday, December 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Mass will be on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Memorials can be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Coborn’s Cancer Foundation.