Raphael H. Kalka

Ilion - Mr. Raphael H. Kalka, 93, of Ilion, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014 at home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Drayton, ND on November 3, 1920, the son of the late Damaze Daniel and Mary Mlodzik Kalka and he attended schools there. He was married to Mary Diakowych on September 7, 1949 in Minnesota. He served in the US Army during World War II from July 30, 1942 to January 19, 1947 and was the recipient of a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge. Raphael was owner and operator of the Kalka Family Farm in Minnesota for many years. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a communicant of Church of the Annunciation. Raphael is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Kalka; four sons and three daughters in law, Emil Kalka of Roseau, MN, Daniel and Cindy Kalka of Medina, OH, Terrance and Bonnie Kalka of Ilion and Jerald and Claire Kalka of Frankfort; two daughters and sons in law, Mary and Roger Shweid of San Diego, CA and Karen and James DeCarr of Gloversville; one brother and sister in law, Chester and Donna Kalka of ND; one sister, Zenobia Smith of Austin, TX; 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, Darrel Kalka in 2000, one brother, Walter Kalka and one sister, Leona Efta. His funeral will be held Monday morning at 10:00 AM in Church of the Annunciation, 109 West St, Ilion, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Paul Catena. Arrangements are under the direction of the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St. Herkimer. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Raphael's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com