Calvin James Stutzke

Age 89

Calvin passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2014. He was born in Rapid City, SD on November 4, 1924 to Max F. and Rosie (Poler) Stutzke. He served in WWII when he joined the U.S. Navy. Calvin met his wife Norma in 1946, she was best friends with his sister Marion. He and his wife Norma Jean Stutzke (Walker) were married for 54 years. Cal and Norma welcomed three children, David, Daniel and Denette.

Cal and Norma had many activities they enjoyed together. They danced at Trestle Creek and Clark Fork with Cal’s siblings. They danced together so often and for so many years they would glide across the floor knowing exactly where each would next step. It was magic to watch them together. They would fish together in places like Banks Lake, Kootenay Lake, Pend O’Reille Lake and other rivers, lakes and streams in the Northwest. Camping and traveling in their motor home brought them great pleasure. They also played pool together on pool leagues. Cal became a proficient pool player and won many tournaments. He even made it to a Las Vegas tournament!

Calvin worked in construction as a mason (bricklayer) for 50 years. He worked on many projects in Spokane and Couer d’Alene, including the Shadle Park high school and Bing Crosby’s home in Hayden Lake, Idaho. As a young man in Rapid City South Dakota he worked with his father on the home of Gutzon Borglum the Mt Rushmore sculptor.

Calvin could be considered an avid collector; there was nothing so trivial he didn’t consider a treasure. He collected coins, bottles, cars, video tapes and many other items too numerous to list.