Roger W. Kallstrom, age 86 of Durand, passed away Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Oakview Care Center in Durand with his family by his side.

Roger was born on the home farm in Little Plum area of rural Pepin on May 24, 1928 to Wilfred and Gladys (Johnson) Kallstrom. He attended eight grades at Little Plum School, one year at Arkansaw High School and graduated from Durand High School in 1946. After high school, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at Camp McGill in Japan. He was honorably discharged in late 1947 with the rank of Sargent.

In 1951, Roger married Virginia Hartung at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. Shortly thereafter, he was called back into services as a reservist during the Korean Conflict.

After being discharged from the service in 1951, Roger and Virginia farmed in Pepin until 1955. After that they co-owned the Red Owl Grocery store in Menomonie for a short time. In 1957 they purchased a farm in Downsville. In 1960, they purchased Gilmore’s Grocery store in Durand and remained there until 1966 when they built Roger’s IGA at a new location in Durand. For the next 30 years, they ran the grocery store until they both retired in 1996.

Roger loved his Allis-Chalmers tractor, playing golf and cards. He was an active member in the Durand American Legion Post #181 of Durand, a 4^th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and a member and officer for the Durand Lion’s Club.

Roger is survived by his wife 63 years; Virginia “Ginny”, children; James of Arkansaw, Audrey (Larry) Bussow of St. Charles, IL, David of Arkansaw and Thomas of Durand, three grandchildren; Katie Reid of Eau Claire, Sara Kallstrom of Beijing, China and Ted (Lesa) Polzer of Racine, two great grandchildren; Max and Madeline Reid of Eau Claire, sister-in-law; Eileen (Ken) Weisenbeck of Pepin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother; Kenneth, sisters; Bonnie Erickson, Maxine Kallstrom and brother-in-law; Don Erickson.

Funeral Services will be 11:30 AM Thursday, December 11, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Durand. Rev. Eric Linzmaier will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181. Friends may call from 4-7 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Dick & Doshie Grey December 31, 2014, at 2:02pm

   Ginney and Family,

   Our Sympathy to you all. We just learned of Rogers death this past week-end. He was one of Durand's best Business people. It was always a pleasure shopping at the store and running into both of you.

2. Margie & Don Stanger December 14, 2014, at 9:04pm

   We send our love and prayers to you, Ginny, and to your family.

3. Lyle & Carol Newburg December 14, 2014, at 8:21am

   Ginny &family, Just heard of Roger's passing and wish to send condolences from our whole family to yours. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

4. carolyn holmstadt December 11, 2014, at 7:54pm

   You and your family are in my prayers

5. Gordon & LaVina Gifford December 11, 2014, at 7:02pm

   To Ginny & Family,
   You have our deepest sympathy in your loss of Roger. His friends and family will miss his pleasant smile & nature.
   The Giffords

6. Terry Nelson December 11, 2014, at 1:31pm

   Condolences to the Kallstrom Family. Roger's IGA was always one of my favorite stops when I worked for Gateway Foods and I also enjoyed working with Roger during his time at Gateway!

7. Nancy (Knutson) Hoeser December 10, 2014, at 9:43pm

   Ginny and Family,
   I am so sorry for your loss. Roger will be remembered and missed by many! Our family very much enjoyed living so near to your family. I hope you will hang on to the many happy times you had with Roger.

8. Dave & Carol Awe December 10, 2014, at 7:02pm

   Deepest Sympathy to the Kallstrom family. Tom, Dave remembers working on your dad's Edstel. Good memories!

9. JIM AND HELEN FEENEY December 10, 2014, at 6:23pm

   Roger had a great personality , friendly and sincere person.

10. Elizabeth Bauer December 10, 2014, at 5:55pm

    My sympathy to the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

11. Charlene (Lecheler) Henderson December 10, 2014, at 5:40pm

    My deepest sympathy to you all. You will be in my thoughts and prays.

12. Elizabeth Bauer December 10, 2014, at 5:03pm

    My sympathy to the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

13. Pat Ross (Knutson) December 10, 2014, at 2:20pm

    Ginny and Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of your family growing up so close to the Knutson Clan. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

14. Tom and Candy Roberts December 10, 2014, at 10:57am

    Sorry to hear about Roger. We just found out this morning. Lorraine sent us an email. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

15. Margaret December 9, 2014, at 9:32pm

    My deepest sympathy is with you and your family. I know it is hard but with the love and prayers it will get better. Take care.......

16. Douglas and Sharon Bauer December 9, 2014, at 9:22pm

    So sorry to hear about Rogers passing. He was a good man and friend. Sympathy to the family!

17. Kerry Bauer December 9, 2014, at 8:26pm

    Oh I am so sorry for your loss! I have a lot of fond memories of Roger's IGA and the whole Kallstrom clan. Sending my deepest condolences!

18. Audrey Martin December 9, 2014, at 6:57pm

    I have many a fond memory about Roger and some good laughs in the barbershop and beyond the barbershop. My sympathy to the family.

19. Rod and Pat Hurlburt December 9, 2014, at 5:47pm

    Rod and I were very sad to hear of Rogers passing. We always enjoyed it when we saw after his retirement and also you Ginny. May God give each of you the strength in the days ahead. Blessings, Peace and Prayers to the whole Family. Sending our Love and a big Hug Ginny......

20. John Judy parr December 9, 2014, at 5:46pm

    Our sympathy is with you all

21. Patti Blount December 9, 2014, at 4:09pm

    I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Roger. Sympathy to the family during this time.

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