John M. Kalis

John was a 1966 graduate of Madison High School where he was an all star athlete in track and football. He proudly served two tours in Vietnam in the United States Army with the 509th Radio Research Group, earning the Air Medal. He met the love of his life, Lynda and her children in 1982 and they were married in 1986 making them a family of six. He was a dedicated husband and an active father who loved to be involved with his children and their activities. The little things in life were of great importance to John as the little things often made great big memories. He coached and learned the game of soccer with his children as they played and continued to coach after all the children graduated. Their home was often the gathering place for basketball until the wee hours many days. John was a music enthusiast and enjoyed teaching his children to dance, having many dance parties in the living room. He enjoyed shopping and had a love for his dogs, Max and Tyson. John retired from the City of Mansfield in 1996 after 30 years of dedicated service.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lynda Kalis; children, Jenifer (Randy Wasserman) Kalis, Shaun (Nicole) Kalis, Jill (Jim Crabtree) Hostetler, and Jody (Robert Rymal) Hostetler; five grandchildren, Nicholas, Alex, Camryn, Brynn and Lainey; sisters, Elena Finley, Karen (Arvel) Mollette, and Emily Kiner. He was followed in death by his mother, Margie Kalis and was preceded in death by his father, Russell Kalis.

A gathering of family and friends will be held 9:30-10:30 am on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Pathways Hospice, 619 Claremont Avenue Ashland, OH 44805.