Frederick Lawrence "Kal" Kalles

Frederick Lawrence "Kal" Kalles died Friday, May 21, 2004 at his home in Moses Lake, Wash. He was referred to as "Kal" by all his many friends or sometimes "Seahawk Kal." Calling him by his given name was a good way to raise his ire.

Kal was born November 22, 1942 in Sedro-Woolley, Wash., the youngest of nine children of Frank L. and Ellen Houghton Kalles. He graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1961 and then joined the Navy.

He served three tours in Vietnam, two on the riverboats in the Mekong Delta and one abroad the aircraft carrier USS Constellation. He earned three purple hearts and numerous other awards and citations.

Kal retired as a Senior Chief Boatswain Mate (E-8) in 1984 and moved to Moses Lake. He worked for Soft Water Service and as a bartender at the Porterhouse. In August 1986, an accident left him a quadriplegic with limited use of his arms and hands.

This did not keep him from his passions of Seattle Seahawk football and fishing the lakes of Grant County. His wheelchair van painted in Seahawk colors has been a well-known site in Moses Lake. He also had a pontoon boat painted in Seahawk green and blue. Only bad conditions on Snoqualmie Pass could keep Kal from attend Seahawk home games.

Kal was a member of the Elks and Eagles, but in the last few years he devoted his time and energy to American Legion Post 209 and the Grant County Seahawkers. He may not have had full use of his body, but he had a fine mind. His efforts will be missed by both of these organizations.

Kal Kalles was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Frank and Joe, and two sisters, Georgia and Kelly.

He is survived by: sisters, Mickey, Nan and Edie; brother, Ernie; daughter, Christy and her husband, Andy Terrell; three grandchildren; plus nieces and nephews too numerous to name.

The Kalles family would like to thank Dr. James Irwin for 16 years of excellent medical attention and moral support. Thanks also goes to his aides, including but not limited to, Jill, Sally, April, Lynn and Melissa who took care of Kal's daily needs.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 6, 2004 at American Legion Post 209, 538 W. Broadway in Moses Lake starting at 12 noon. Everyone who knew Kal is welcome to attend and share stories about his life.

In lieu of flowers, it was Kal's request that donations be made to start a college fund for his grandchildren. Contact Bill Kalles at (509) 765-1864.