James J. “Jim” Kalkowski, 83 of Rockville, NE died Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 1, 2018 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. Celebrating the Mass will be Father Richard Piontkowski. Lunch will follow Mass and burial will be held at the Rockville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 31 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church with a Vigil Service to be held at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Rockville Fire Department, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s research or donor’s choice.

James J. “Jim” Kalkowski was born July 23, 1935 near Boelus, NE to Steven and Gertrude (Sobieszczyk) Kalkowski. He grew up and attended school in the Boelus and Rockville area. Jim married Josephine A. McCarville on April 7, 1956 at Loup City, NE. After graduating, Jim farmed for a short period of time.  He then worked for Redman Industries.  In 1963 he started work at Sperry New Holland and worked there until his retirement.  After retirement he worked for Sherman County Road Department.  A farmer at heart, Jim helped area farmers throughout his retirement. Jim was active in the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He also served as the Rockville City Mayor and on the town board. Jim was also a member of St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City, NE.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn of Rockville; daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie (Bryce) Luth of Ravenna, NE; Virgie (Kermit) Kinsley of Orange, Texas; Patty (David) Kistler of Kearney, NE; son and daughter-in-law, Rodney (Gretchen) Kalkowski of Louisville, NE; six grandchildren, Nicole (Ryan) Krantz, Nathan (Shannon) Luth, Melissa (Anwar) Allaire, Justin (Rachel) Kinsley, Lauryn Kalkowski and Lea Kalkowski; five great grandchildren, Harper and Bentley Krantz, Mason Luth, Adrian Allaire and Charlotte Kinsley; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry (Phyllis) Kalkowski; sister and brothers-in-law, Mary Ellen (Jerry) Bruns and Margie (Jim) Heirlmier. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Donna & Don Vanderheiden.