John Robert Kalmanek passed away peacefully at his home in Waynesville on September 6, 2026.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 3, 1929, to his loving parents, Paul and Katherine Kalmanek. He was raised in Chicago, where he graduated from high school before continuing his education at the Illinois Institute of Technology. His studies were eventually put on hold when John answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy.

It was in Chicago that John met the love of his life, Dorothy Hojnowski, in March of 1953. The two quickly knew they had found something special, and just months later, in November, they were married at St. Pius Catholic Church. Their marriage began a life together marked by devotion to one another, their family, and those they loved.

Throughout the years, John and Dorothy called several places home. Their journey took them to Baltimore and Buffalo as they devoted their time to caring for relatives nearing the end of their lives, a reflection of the compassion and commitment to family that remained important throughout John's life. While living in Baltimore, they welcomed their first child, Karen. Their family later grew with the birth of their second child, Keith, in Chicago.

Professionally, John built a career in engineering and eventually became an independent contractor. His inventive mind extended well beyond his work. John loved putting his ideas to paper, frequently sketching designs and concepts for inventions. He remained naturally curious and creative throughout his life, always finding satisfaction in imagining how things might be created or improved. He eventually retired while living in Chicago.

John's Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. A deeply devout Catholic, he lived his faith with steadfast dedication and attended Mass daily. His devotion to God guided him throughout his life and was reflected in the way he cared for his family and those around him.

In 2013, John experienced the profound loss of his beloved wife, Dorothy. The life and family they built together remained an enduring source of love and meaning for him in the years that followed.

In 2022, John moved to Waynesville, North Carolina, where he spent the remainder of his life. Through his remarkable 97 years, John remained a man devoted to his faith, his family, and the values by which he lived. He will be remembered for his inventive spirit, his deep love for those closest to him, and, above all, his unwavering faith.

Left to mourn John’s passing is his daughter, Karen Kalmanek; son, Keith (Mary) Kalmanek; 3 grandchildren: Zeth (Martin) Graham, John (Eva) Kalmanek, and Emily Kalmanek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Katherine Kalmanek; sister, Lydia Murphy; brother, Joseph Kalmanek; sister, Helen Schluep; sister, Adeline Engdahl; sister, Margaret Kalmanek; and many cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesville, NC, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Visitation with the family will be held an hour prior to Mass. Inurnment will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Chicago, IL at a later date.

The care of Mr. Kalmanek has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.