Obituary of Joseph A. Kalista

Joseph A. Kalista passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Saturday, May 18, 2024. At the age of 92, he was still active and independent, and had lived an incredibly rich and fulfilling life – devoted to family and friends, rooted in faith and service, and filled with discovery and adventure.

Joe was born on March 16, 1932 in Milwaukee, WI to the late Charles and Mary Kalista, and was the second of four children. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary M. Robinson, his daughters and their spouses, Kathleen Kalista (Carlton Rochell) and Jane Kalista (Mehdi Benchelah), his darling grandchildren, Margot and William Rochell, and Alexandra and Esme Benchelah Kalista, his younger brother, Edward Kalista, and his niece and nephew, Lynn (Zagel) Pietsch and George Zagel. He is preceded in death by his elder brother, Jerome Kalista, and his sister, Mary Ann (Kalista) Zagel.

After attending Marquette High School in Milwaukee, Joe went on to complete both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Marquette University and his PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He dedicated his brilliant mind and compassionate heart to helping students, working tirelessly for 35 years as a counselor and dean at Harry S. Truman College in Chicago.

Affectionately named ‘Dr. Wisdom’ by his wife and daughters, he somehow always knew just what to say or how to help in his calm and steady way. He was present and engaged as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and citizen. His patience, generosity, and humility were abundant. He was intellectually curious, open-minded, insightful, principled, and brave. He loved seeing the world and was always up for the next trip, dinner with friends, round of golf, or baseball game. His greatest joy was spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren). Above all, he had the kindest, gentlest heart and a selflessness that was legendary. His loving presence and sound counsel will be sorely missed.

Funeral Mass for Joe will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday May 30th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E Maple Ave, Libertyville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass at Church. Funeral arrangements by McMurrough Funeral Chapel (847) 362-2626

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls (www.mercyhome.org) or Doctors Without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org).

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at the following LINK