A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Don Kalash, age 81, of Windom, will be held on Friday, July 11th at 11:00 AM, with a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Windom. Following the service, military honors will be provided outside the church by the American Legion Post 206 of Windom. A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls.

Donald “Don” Louis Kalash was born on November 8, 1943, in Windom to Frank and Marjorie (Haberman) Kalash. He was raised on the farm and attended Windom High School, graduating in 1961. He went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Army, spending two years stationed in Germany. Following his discharge, he became a proud member of the American Legion Post 206 in Windom.

He spent a short time in the Minneapolis area, where he earned a drafting certificate from Control Data. Don returned to Windom to begin farming, a lifelong vocation he continued until his retirement in 2001. He also ran Kalash Implement with his dad and brother. On August 16, 1968, Don married Esther Ladehoff, and together they built a life rooted in family and faith. They were blessed with two daughters, Kelly and Cindy, and later became proud grandparents to Alex and Elliot.

Don had a deep love for the outdoors and a wide range of interests. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, traveling and flying. He was also an avid card player and collector of brass, military memorabilia, firearms, and other unique items.

Don passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 81 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Esther Kalash of Windom; daughters, Kelly Kalash of Shakopee, and Cindy (Jason) Espenson of Windom; his cherished grandchildren, Alex and Elliot Espenson; brothers-in-law, Bob (Nan) Ladehoff and Jon (Linda) Johnson; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jim Kalash and Jeanette Kalash; parents-in-law, Reinhardt and Emma Ladehoff; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Johnson.

Don will be remembered for his strong work ethic and deep love for his family and country.

Blessed be the Memory of Don Kalash.