Andrew Kalan

Andrew “Andy” Kalan

Andy Kalan was born in the family residence in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on February 16, 1931 and passed away in the early morning hours of June 5, 2012 in Owatonna, at the age of 81. A first generation Hungarian American, he was the third of three children born to John and Sophie Kalan. He was preceded in death by his wife Pat in 2008, his parents, his older sister Helen in 1994 and older brother John in 2005.
Andy attended college at the University of Kansas and finished his college education at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He married Pat Comstock on June 10, 1956 in Unionville, Missouri and is survived by his three children from that union; Pete and wife Kelly of Owatonna, MN, Dan and wife Karen of Cedar Rapids, lA and Jill and husband John of Footville, Wl. He also is survived by his grandchildren; Joey and wife Kaitlin, Ryan and Amy of Owatonna, Meghan, Samantha, Katie and Chris of Footville and Anna of Cedar Rapids.
Andy enjoyed playing the violin which he learned to play very early in life. He would perform at many places including church, weddings and for his family and friends. He also took great pride in teaching those interested how to play the violin including his grandchildren. Anyone who heard him play would walk away in amazement at his talent for playing Hungarian Gypsy music or a favorite Gospel selection. Andy also enjoyed the many people who he called friends and was always quick to share one of the many stories of things he had experienced over his lifetime. Andy never knew a stranger and was always introducing himself to others to find out more about them and hear their stories. Andy lived in several places over the years while working with Walsh Refractories, Combustion Engineering and The Boeing Company until his retirement. Places they lived included New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Omaha, Oklahoma City, Branson and finally in Owatonna. Each place they lived, they made lifelong friends and acquaintances. He also enjoyed traveling back to his family's homeland in Hungary making several trips there to Tisouivodish over the years to connect with his family there. He was also able to maintain his Hungarian heritage by speaking fluent Hungarian all of his life. Andy went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning June 5th after a lengthy illness that included congestive heart failure and COPD. Andy will be deeply missed, but his memories will definitely carry on for all of us who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were held on Friday June 8th at Bethel Church in Owatonna, MN, with Pastor Tim Haugen and Minister John Thomson presiding. Burial was in Unionville Cemetery, Unionville, Missouri on Sunday, June 10th.
Memorials may be directed to Bethel Church, 1611 Hemlock Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060. Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, handled local arrangements. For on-line condolences go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com