Nathan John Kalaf

March 15, 1935 – March 9, 2025

With profound love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Nathan John Kalaf, who was called to Heaven on March 9, 2025, just shy of his 90th birthday. Born on March 15, 1935, in Meta, Missouri, to John and Eva Kalaf, Nathan lived a life rich with love, laughter, service, and faith.

Nathan is survived by his three devoted daughters, Tina (Kalaf) Gearheard (Brian Gearheard), Evelyn (Kalaf) Modahl (Dennis Modahl), and Stephanie (Kalaf) White (Todd White); his beloved grandchildren, Tyler Hegstad (Katie Hegstad), Chelsea Juarez (Colton Juarez), Sevryn Modahl (Samie Modahl), Emaline Modahl, and Macayla White; his cherished great-grandchildren, Easton Hegstad, Ames Hegstad, Jetson Juarez, and Jaxton Juarez; and his loving brothers, Elias Kalaf and John Michael Kalaf. He also leaves behind three step-children, Michael Horn (Julia Horn), Curt Horn, and Lori Grube, along with four step-grandchildren, Trevor Grube, Mira Horn and his wife Julia, Sonna Horn, and Cai Horn. Nathan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, D. Janet Kalaf, his parents, John and Eva Kalaf, and his sisters, Fedwa (Kalaf) Morris and Mag (Kalaf) Kemna.

Nathan graduated from Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri, in 1953. Following graduation, he worked alongside his family at their charcoal kilns before enlisting in the United States Navy on August 25, 1954. Nathan proudly served aboard the USS Pictor from 1954 to 1957, later stationed at the US Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, California, until his honorable discharge in 1958.

Determined to continue growing, Nathan pursued higher education at Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy and studied Engineering. Nathan left college to run the family business when his father became ill. He went back to college and attended Lincoln University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His career took him from Missouri to Georgia, and finally to Washington, where he made lasting contributions to his field. In 1990, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded Kalaf’s Service & Repair, a business he passionately built from the ground up. He was especially proud of his green service van and loved telling stories about it and that its original engine had surpassed 500,000 miles (in 2024).

Nathan was a man of strong faith and an active, dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for decades. His faith and commitment to service were central to his life, guiding his actions and relationships.

Beyond his work and faith, Nathan found joy in life’s simple but profound pleasures. He loved cooking, hunting, fishing, and gardening—activities that connected him to nature and the people he loved. Family and friends were his greatest treasures, and he cherished every moment spent with them. As a devoted husband, father, and Gedic (grandfather), he gave unconditional love, wisdom, and a sense of humor that made life brighter.

Nathan had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a jokester with an infectious laugh, never missing an opportunity to share a joke or engage in a friendly game of poker. His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor left an unforgettable mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Nathan’s legacy is one of love, faith, and resilience. His life touched countless people—from his beloved family to his church community, dear friends, and the many clients he served with dedication and integrity. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Nathan’s life will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 1200 East 5th Street, Arlington, Washington 98223, on March 27, 2025. A viewing will take place starting at 9:30 am, followed by the funeral mass at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Knights of Columbus - 8015/Coats for Kids, honoring Nathan’s generous spirit.

May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.