Dr. Kenneth Harlan Kalember was born July 4, 1927 in Bessemer, a small mining and lumber town on the shores of Lake Superior in the western upper peninsula of Michigan. "Ken" was born to Serbian and French parents, Sam and Gladys Dalbec Kalember.
Ken was the eldest of three sons, and his brothers were Richard and Robert Kalember. Ken was a graduate of A.D. Johnson High School in Bessemer, Michigan, class of 1945. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served in the south Pacific for 18 months on an L.S.T. His service greatly impacted his life, and he never forgot his time spent in the Navy.
Upon discharge, Ken moved back to his hometown and met the love of his life, Audrey Jean Pickmosa. He proposed to Audrey by slipping a ring on her finger while she was doing the dishes. Ken and Audrey were married on June 4, 1949 and were married for 69 loving years.
Ken and Audrey moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Ken graduated from Illinois College as a doctor of chiropody and foot surgery. While in Chicago, his first child was born, a son, Randall Kalember. Upon completion of his degree, the family moved to Owosso, Michigan where Dr. Kalember set up a foot surgery clinic. Soon after, a second son was born, Bradley Kalember. Meanwhile, Dr. Kalember was accepted into dental school at the University Michigan.
Dr. Kalember obtained his Doctor of Dental Science in June 1959. The family moved to Mason, Michigan, where he built a successful dental practice. Suzanne Kalember, their daughter, entered the world soon after and completed their family. Dr. Kalember was known as the gentle dentist who served the community of Mason for over 25 years. He also performed charitable dentistry for those in need and served as the treasurer of the Mason School Board.
Ken was an avid reader, history enthusiast, enjoyed gardening, puzzles and riddles, and had a great sense of humor. He loved playing tennis, both in singles and mixed doubles with his beloved daughter Suzanne until he was 86. Dr. Kalember enjoyed following sports, especially the Michigan Wolverines.
Above all, Ken enjoyed dancing with his wife. They shared a special connection that was felt by all. Their favorite song to dance to was Frank Sinatra's “It Had to Be You.” As a family, they enjoyed summers in Higgins Lake, Michigan, and winters in Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida. Ken was able to travel the world with his family.
In retirement, Ken and Audrey’s life took them from Michigan to Florida, Atlanta, and finally Birmingham, Alabama. Ken was known for his kind and generous heart and was widely respected. He was the embodiment of the American Dream and created a beautiful life for his children and grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
Ken had a strong Catholic faith and was lovingly surrounded by family when he passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. He lived a very full and active life until the very end.
Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys; father, Sam; brother, Richard; and beloved wife and soulmate, Audrey Jean.
Ken is survived by his three adoring children, Randy, Brad and Suzanne Kalember; son-in-law, Tom Constantine; and loving grandchildren, Kristin Nelson (Eric) and Karin Kalember. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathy Nasi Pickmosa, Kathy’s two children Connie and Eric, and extended family including Peter Andolina.
Ken made special friendships with residents at Parc at Piedmont and Cahaba Ridge senior communities.
Donations can be made in Ken’s honor to any Alzheimer’s charity.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18