Kalmer, Victor

Victor A. Kalmer, 83, of Damiansville, died Friday, April 14, 2006 at his home. He was born May 29, 1922 in Damiansville son of John and Caroline (Korte) Kalmer. He married Rita B. Rakers on September 4, 1946 in Aviston and she survives in Damiansville. He is survived by one son, Rodger Kalmer and wife Lois of Damiansville; four daughters, Diane Heidel and husband Mays of New Baden, Darlene Louth and husband Bernie of Belleville, Donna Moyer and husband Ed of Aviston, and Debbie Stanton and husband Dave of Niceville, FL; twelve grandchildren, Kurt Heidel and fiancée, Lisa, Ryan Heidel and fiancée Holley, Stacey Walker and husband Wenton, Allison Gonzalez and husband Eduardo, Mike Louth and wife Anne, Christopher Kalmer, Joel Kalmer, Shannon Kalmer, Chad Markus, Kelly Livingston and husband Jon, Logan Stanton and Alec Stanton; eight great-grandchildren, Kerry Ann, Evan, Trent, Wenton, Dylan, Gavin, Sean and Bryan; two brothers, Erwin Kalmer and special friend, Barb of Trenton and Norbert Kalmer and wife Sue of Germantown; and one sister, Marie Haake and husband Robert of Germantown; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James and Marilyn Rakers of Aviston, Charlie Rakers of Aviston, Delores Langenhorst of Beaver Prairie, Johanna Heimann of Fairview Heights, Julie and Walt Toennies of New Baden, Annie Kalmer of Trenton, Leona Rakers of Aviston and Robert Haselhorst of Breese; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Kalmer was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Dennis Kalmer & Joseph Kalmer, his brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Ermalinda Kalmer, Bernard & Clara Rakers, Anthony Rakers, Aloysius & Rita Rakers, Mary "Sally" Haselhorst, Delores Rakers, Vince Kalmer, Vince Langenhorst, and David Heimann; and his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Ben & Gertrude Rakers. Mr. Kalmer was a retired farmer. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy, serving during WWII, a member of St. Damian Parish & Men’s Sodality and the American Legion Post 1026 of Albers. A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville with Msgr. Donald Eichenseer officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Damian Cemetery in Damiansville. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2006 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.