Don Kalle Sr.

My Papa was a very loving and kind man. He loved his children, step children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and most of all Nanny. He was kind and loving and generous and I am a better person because of him being in my life.
Papa was a very active member of Rehobeth Baptist church. He spent many years as an alderman and Sunday school teacher. He had me baptized when I was just a tiny baby. He taught me about God and Jesus and wanted to make sure I became a good Christian woman. One of his last concerns in life was to make sure all of his loved ones were saved. He wanted to make sure we could see each other again and spend eternity together in heaven. I know he’s happy to be reunited with the love of his life in heaven right now.
You cannot talk about Papa without also talking about Nanny. He loved her so much and wanted to give her the best life possible. They took trips to so many beautiful places. I still love looking at the pictures of all the trips especially Japan. Nanny always looked so beautiful. They took trips to Las Vegas and Biloxi. Often times for their wedding anniversary or with Bobby and Betty. Their love for each other and love for family was the glue that held us together
He also loved taking his grandkids on as many trips and to as many attractions as possible. We took yearly trips to Gatlinburg and Daytona. We went to Zoo and Yellow River Game Ranch more times than I can count which helped to grow my love of animals of all kinds.
Papa and Nanny also taught us to appreciate great food! We were regulars at Mt. Fuji Japanese and The Sun Dynasty Chinese restaurants. I still try to find dishes that are as good as I remember getting there! Every New Years Eve they went to Trader Vicks. We had so much fun seeing the city at The Sundial. They introduced us to so many types of foods like lobster and steak. We had so many great steaks that I could identify the different cuts of steak based on taste at the age of nine.
Even when we just stayed at their house, we were always entertained. He would spend hours pushing us on the swing in his backyard when we were young. “Push Papa, push!” They had every movie you could ever want. We had our own personal cinema! The playroom was perfect for for toddlers to teens. They always made sure to have all of our favorite treats available. Nanny was such a good cook we did not even miss going to restaurants when we were there.
Papa was more than happy to pick us up from school if we weren’t feeling well. He took us to doctor and dentist appointments if we needed him too. And he always made sure we had new clothes for school.
He spent a lot of time teaching us how to drive and parallel park. Nanny’s bumper had a few marks showing our “progress.”
It was important to both Nanny and Papa that we spent the holidays together. Every Christmas Eve, they would have everyone over. We would spend the evening eating, chatting and making memories. We would unwrap gifts under the beautiful trees Nanny decorated. They would fill the entire room with gifts. I hope we can continue to honor Papa and Nanny by spending Christmas Eve together as a family for years to come.
Papa, you will be missed. We are so fortunate to have had you in our lives for so many years. Enjoy your eternity in heaven with Nanny but it won’t be the same here without you.