Arthur G. Kalsbeek, 77, passed away peacefully May 27, 2016 at the Hospice Home of Hope. He was born Anne Gerard on June 2, 1938 to Gerald (Gerard Anne) and Harmina (van der Wal) Kalsbeek in Groningen, the Netherlands.
Art immigrated to America in 1951. In 1956 he graduated from Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, IL. He served as an electronics technician in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1963 aboard the carrier, USS Wasp. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1965. On August 21, 1965, Art was united in marriage to Karen Nelson at Homewood Reformed Church in Homewood, IL.
Following graduation, Art began his career at Wisconsin Power & Light (now Alliant Energy) as an electrical engineer in Madison. From there he worked in Janesville, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac in electrical operations. He retired in 1993 and has enjoyed bicycling, skiing, computers, photography, and travel. He served the city of Fond du Lac as a member of the Police and Fire Commission from 1987 to 1998.
Art is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen; two sons: David (Julie) of Cross Plains, WI and Michael (Angela) of Fond du Lac; four grandsons: Tyler, Riley, Colin, and Justin; sister Janneke (Robert) Smith of Louisville, KY and brothers Dr. Eduard of Elgin, IL and Frederick (Barbara) of Hot Springs Village, AR; sister-in-law Carole (Phillip) Rinard of Los Alamos, NM; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Art's family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Salem United Methodist Church from 11:30 AM until the time of service.
Pastor Bill Beaton will lead the celebration of life at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan Street in Fond du Lac at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to The Birky Challenge Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1173, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1173. The Birky Challenge is a bike ride which honors fallen Fond du Lac Police Officer Craig Birkholz, Badge #67. Art helped design and plan the routes, provided the maps and event photography.
Thank you to the caring folks at the Agnesian Cancer Center and the Fond du Lac YMCA PD exercise program for helping Art live with pancreatic cancer and Parkinsons's disease.
Originally published at Zacherl Funeral Home
