Agnes M. Kalina, 86

Agnes Mary Shermak was born on July 2, 1923, in Ben Wade Township, the daughter of Joseph J. and Antonia (Rosicka) Shermak. Agnes attended school in Lowry. Following her schooling she helped her parents on the family farm. Later, Agnes worked at Penney’s in Glenwood.

Agnes was a lifelong member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church. She was baptized and confirmed at the church. On September 7, 1948, Agnes was united in marriage to Lester Kalina at the church. She also served her guild as president, was a member of the Christian Mothers, participated in the St. Mary Ann Mission Group and sang in the church choir.

Agnes and Lester made their home on the Kalina family farm. They were blessed with four children, Jane, Leslie, Kathy and Steven. In 1977, Agnes and Lester left the farm and moved into Lowry. In 2003, after Lester had died, Agnes moved to an assisted living facility, and, in 2008, she became a resident of the Glenwood Retirement Village.

Agnes was a Life Member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Lowry. Agnes liked to go bowling and dancing. She enjoyed playing cards and going fishing with Lester. Agnes tended a large vegetable and flower garden; most of her produce was offered to friends and neighbors. She and Lester loved to go uptown in Lowry for coffee at noon and for a meal in the evening; they loved to visit. Agnes’ family was the most important thing in her life; she loved spending time with them and always tried to be at her grandchildren’s ballgames.

On Saturday, January 23, 2010, Agnes died at the age of 86 years.

Agnes is survived by her children, Jane Lea of Lowry, Leslie and Sharie Kalina of Alexandria, Kathy and Robert Trousil of Alexandria and Steven and Roberta Kalina of Alexandria; 10 grandchildren, Michelle Anaya and husband, Joe, Michael Lea and wife, Becky, Stacy Lea, Kamra Michel and husband, T.J., Luke Kalina and friend, Katie Townsend, Todd Trousil, Tara Connor and husband, Tom, Trevor Trousil and wife, Ashley, Amy Engblom and husband, John, and Kurtis Kalina and wife Samantha; 10 great-grandchildren, Rachel, Cody and Kassidy Lea, Nicolas Anaya, Kyle and Kalina Michel, Adreya and Delaney Connor and Tatum and Sydney Kalina; and one brother, Frank Shermak of Lowry.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; granddaughter, Leah Kalina; son-in-law, Robert Lea; four brothers, John, Joseph F., Charlie and Ludwig Shermak; and three sisters, Mary, Christine and Anna Shermak.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John Nepomuk Church in Reno Township. Reverend Father Roger Thoennes was the celebrant. Ann Zavadil and Patrick Kalina provided music. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Casket bearers included all of Agnes’ grandchildren. Honorary casket bearers included all of Agnes’ great-grandchildren.