Kalina, Sylvester Paul

Sylvester Paul Kalina, 85, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with the Lord Jesus on March 10, 2013, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with son, Kurt Kalina, officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Sylvester was born Feb. 20, 1928, in Irving, Iowa, to Joseph and Anna (Blaha) Kalina. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School and served in the armed forces during the Korean conflict. He was united in marriage to Joanne Weber on Oct. 23, 1954, in Independence, Iowa. Five children were born to this union. He retired from Rockwell Collins after 31 years of service, where he worked in tool and die.

Sylvester is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joanne; his five children, Steven (Alison), Kurtis (Janie), Lisa (Doug Hill), Holli (John Short) and Heidi (Ed Short); and 22 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Born a farmer, he never gave up his love for gardening. He enjoyed the outdoors, Hawkeye sports and cooking for his family.

Online condolences may be directed to under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette March 12, 2013.