~~Jean M. (nee: Pahl) Kalcic, passed away peacefully on the beautiful evening of August 24, 2014. She was born 89 years ago in Kenosha, Wis., on August 1, 1925. Her parents, Emil and Rose Pahl, were Danish immigrants to the United States. She grew up at the feet of her strong and loving grandmother, Laura Peterson, who helped raise Jean after her mother passed away. Jean met Victor Kalcic at American Motors in Kenosha, and the two married in October of 1945. Their friends put together their gas rations, giving Victor and Jean just enough petrol to make it to Door County, Wis., for their honey moon. Together, they raised two children, Kevin and Vicki.

Our family shares wonderful memories of long nights spent sitting on the porch telling stories, crowding around the kitchen table eating, traveling together, shopping together, and going on small adventures that would take up the day. Jean found happiness in even the smallest things, like going for ice cream with her granddaughter or taking her dog for a walk around the block to visit her neighbors. She always used to say, "You only get a few narrow opportunities in life when you can reach out and grab happiness. You need to grab them when they come." She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who showed everyone around her how to find a smile and walk tall, regardless of whether things were good or bad. She showed her family tenacity, patience, and unconditional love, as well as the value of having a good sense of humor and a strong sense of self. Everyone who knew her was touched by her kindness, and she had a smile for everyone she met. She taught us to acknowledge that every person has a story, all you have to do is listen.

She is preceded in death by her husband (Victor Kalcic), her son (Kevin Kalcic), and her parents (Emil and Rose Pahl). She is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Tom) Kalcic, her daughter-in-law Ruth (Jim) Zuhlke, and her granddaughter Katrina Kalcic. Her surviving family also includes her wonderful nieces,  Susan (Carl) Oefelein, and Joan (John) Stolarz, and their children, Jessica (John) Oefelein, Amanda (Adam) Slater, Rachel Oefelein, Samantha Stolarz, and Edward Stolarz. She is also survived by her dear cousins in Denmark, Anne and Bent Magnusson