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12/17/2007
Walter Kalata, dead at 74
In expressing his sympathy on the loss of a former Appleton Common Council colleague, a friend called Walter Kalata an Icon. Indeed. The Dean of the Council served a total of 34 years.
My friend was right in suspecting that on occasion, Walter and I ‘clashed.’ Yup.
But Walter’s opinion was always worth seeking. And as my friend proffered, one could always count on his kindness and friendliness. And most certainly – his diligence in representing the interests of his constituents.
That’s not to escape noting that often enough, the old pro fell asleep at his desk during Council meetings! Still, he surely knew what was going on. It was only a week before he died that Walt sent over a succinct and insightful comment objecting to (no, enlarging upon) one of my pieces on the water plant.
Devotions and man’s best friend
In the 10 years I served on the Council, probably in 7 or 8 of them, one of the alderpersons would without fail, object to the inclusion of a devotion to begin the Council meeting. Walt was, with me, an ardent supporter of a reverential devotion; when his turn came ‘round, his was always a deeply felt, well-reasoned piece of wisdom, and then a prayer of praise and request for guidance to our God.
And Walt loved his dog. And his love of dogs was evident in his seeming life-long support of a canine police program. When on the Council in person, and then in years after by mail, I always shared with Walt tidbits about canine police programs from here and there.
My heart is emptier today, knowing I won’t ever again see Walt at the Queen Bee. And no hand-addressed, hand-signed Christmas card either. Good-bye Walter. I’ll see you in “the Bee” along heaven’s main drag – can’t wait.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 20, with visitation at 3 p.m and a memorial service at 6 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North Street, Appleton.
COMMENTS
A wonderful article Jo. Imagine a cartoon of Walter taking out papers in heaven, running for an advisory council there.
Dale (Mon Dec 17 05:43:20 2007)
Walter Kalata – helpful, kind, insightful, special
I was deeply saddened to hear that Walter Kalata’s council term ended rather abruptly. Walter was genuine and helpful and I like him. I was a freshman alderman on the Appleton Common Council in 1999. When one does something new, different and unfamiliar, one sometimes looks for another person for guidance…to help you get your sea-legs. Walter was that man.
Walter was patient. He was willing to share what he knew without holding back. He was willing to give advice, cautioning me that I should first evaluate whether his advice had merit. Being an alderman requires a time commitment. He was generous with his time, exploring issues thoroughly. He was deliberate. He did his ‘homework’ and prepared for committee meetings and council sessions. Mr. Kalata represented his district; he knew the issues as well as the minds of those he served.
I have great respect for people willing to serve their community, county or state in an elected capacity. Such ‘servants’ represent their constituents knowing that they set themselves up for occasional ridicule, contempt or the wrath of those they serve while trying to please all the people all the time. Pleasing all the people was never Walt’s goal. Serving all the people was his motivation. He did that well. He was willing to disappoint some while seeking the best solution for the community.
Did I always agree with Walter? No. Did I always agree that he had this community’s best interests at heart. Yes! Was his lengthy public service appreciated? Affirmative. We’re better because of Walter. Was he ‘one of a kind’? Yep. Walt was special. I read a quote in a ‘good book’ …you may be familiar with it. It said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I’m a better person because I knew Walter Kalata. Nicely done, friend.
Dick Kendall (Mon Dec 17 10:25:42 2007)
Truly lovely, Jo; thanks. It is indeed the end of an era. Walter's successors should take note of his work, his diligence, his committment.
Do you know who is taking care of his dog who must be the saddest of all?
lkp (Mon Dec 17 12:07:34 2007)
Walt Kalata was an American original. He believed in community, in his neighbors, in his friends. And he served them all well. Well-seasoned is a term that comes to mind when I consider his approach to most every issue he encountered on the Common Council. He represented me and our district well on the Council. He examined the present, remembered the past and considered what the future would look like with each decision. That is the very definition of public servant. Thanks, Walt.
Randy (Mon Dec 17 22:16:38 2007)
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