Norman Kalaskie

Norman Lee Kalaskie, who was 91, passed away at his home on October 19, 2024.

He was born on August 30, 1933, in Mt. Claire, IL, son of Marie and Mike Kalaskie.  On June 8, 1957, he married Betty Dustman in Prarietown, IL.

Norman is survived by his wife of 67 years; daughter, Karen Uthoff of Mansfield, TX; his grandchildren, Michael Uthoff of O’Fallon, MO, Nicole Jagels (and her husband Nick) of Elsberry, MO, and Cody Uthoff of North Richland Hills, TX;  his great-grandchildren;  Connor Shryock of Mansfield, TX, and Keirstyn Shryock of Elsberry, MO;  sisters-in-law, Beverly Kalaskie of Springfield, IL and Shirley Ashauer of Hamel, IL.

Preceding him in death was brother Frank Kalaskie of Springfield, IL; son-in-law, William (Bill) Uthoff Jr. from Mansfield, TX; and his best friend, Tom O’Dell of Shipman, IL. 

Norman worked for Owens Illinois Glass Co. as a mold maker for 41 years, retiring in 1993 with the closure of the plant. In his earlier years, Norman was an avid gun collector and model airplane builder. Norman and his wife raced sailboats and won 1st place in the Missouri Governor’s Cup Regatta in 1961. He collected thousands of model airplane boat kits, and 41 years ago he was one of the founders of the St. Louis Admirals R/C Model Boat Club. At that time, he redirected his focus to building radio-controlled boats and competed in R/C model boat shows in the St. Louis area. After retiring, Norman and his wife Betty sold rocks and crystals from all over the world at rock and mineral shows throughout the Midwest.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m. at the Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, IL. Burial will follow in Prairietown Lutheran Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the Alton Hayner Library.

Online condolences and guestbook my be found at www.eliaskallalandschaff.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home