Kristopher J Kalkowski

On December 26, 2023, Kris J. Kalkowski passed away while surrounded by his family. He fought hard through a difficult battle with cancer that ultimately took him from us far too soon. But, while Kris deserved many more years to spend with his family and friends, we happily look back on the times we had with him.

He was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the youngest of three children from Kathryn (“Kathy”) Kalkowski and Ronald (“Kal”) Kalkowski. Being the youngest didn’t mean he had things easy. He had to grow up quickly because his father and brother, Kirk Kalkowski, often dragged him along for various construction projects and home improvements.

His childhood of construction turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because it led him to pursue a rewarding career in mechanical engineering. He graduated from the University of Arizona, then returned to Las Vegas and established himself as one of the best engineers in town. He had critical roles in world-famous Las Vegas locations like the Stratosphere, MGM Grand Towers, Red Rock Hotel, Palms Casino Resort, Monte Carlo, and most recently the Fontainebleau—just to name a few. Kris also handled international projects in Dubai and Macau. Kal proudly touted how the Stratosphere couldn’t open without Kris’s signature.

However, Kris most cherished his life outside of work. He was an excellent father to his two children, Kristopher John Kalkowski and Sarah Nicole Kalkowski. Kris loved racing dirt bikes through the Nevada desert and spending time at the family cabin in Lee Canyon. He also treasured his labrador retrievers over the years (Brandy, Maddy, Bo, and Smitty) and cats (Dexter, Monty, and Ollie). He remained a big child at heart through his hobby RC cars, planes, and video games.

Kris will be remembered as a brilliant man who knew how to fix just about everything around the house (and others’ houses too). He had a knack for making light of any situation with his dry humor. We will fondly miss him. Kris is survived by his wife that he loved so much, Lisa Jo Kalkowski; his sister, Kelly Caudle; and his two children, Kristopher and Sarah Kalkowski.

Kris’s family is hosting a Celebration of Life for friends and family on February 4, 2024. Please contact a family member for the location and time of the event. Rather than sending flowers, Kris asked that we send donations to charities of your choice.