Viola Kalina

Viola Jean Star was born February 23, 1929, to Bob and Christine (Dynda) Star at their home in rural Lowry, MN. As a young girl, Vi attended country school with her two sisters Janet and Betty, and her future husband Jerry. She graduated from Glenwood High School. She earned her teaching certificate and taught in a one-room schoolhouse near Glenwood until her marriage. On June 20th, 1950, she married Jerry Kalina. They lived in Glenwood, Ironwood (MI), Brainerd, and Aitkin. They moved into their Wadena home in 1954 where they joined Immanuel Lutheran Church. Vi and Jerry raised their family in faith and love. Vi loved camping at the lake and spending time with her family and friends. She was famous for her meatballs, chicken and dumplings, spaghetti, rice krispie bars, apple slices, and countless delicious creations. Vi was active in the VFW Auxiliary, church and Bible study groups, coffee club, card groups, and volunteering in the community. She loved to work as a substitute teacher for area school districts, and was affectionately known as "Mrs. Kalina from Wadena". Surrounded by her family, Vi passed away on February 21, 2012 at the age of 82, at her home in Wadena. She will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Jerry, and by her 6 children and their spouses, 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren:Terry and Tami Kalina of Perham, and family Aaron, Matthew, Jacob, and Nicholas; Kristy and Bryce Hoime of Edmore, ND, and family Brandon, and Katie; Cindy and Dean Uselman of Wadena, and family Dustin, Darcy, David and Stephanie, Jaidyn, and Avery; Bob and Shirley Kalina of Perham, and family Bobby, Abby, and Amber; Mark and Sharon Kalina of Perham, and family Adam, Amy and Chris Braddock, and Connor; Todd and Heidi Kalina of Perham, and family Ryan, Grace, Joshua, and Faith; sister Janet “Hon” and Joe Koubsky and sister Betty Chan, both of Glenwood; along with a host of friends. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on February 24, 2012 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Marilyn Breckenridge presiding. Honorary pallbearers were all of Vi’s granddaughters. Active pallbearers were all of Vi’s grandsons. Burial was in Wadena Cemetery.

Viola Kalina

February 23, 1929 - February 21, 2012