Barbara A. Kalina
Barbara “Barb” Ann Kalina age 96, a long-time resident of Menomonie, died peacefully in her sleep at Kinnick Health and Rehabilitation Center in River Falls on March 30, 2025, following a recent decline in health.
Barb was born Feb. 13, 1929, in Richmond, VA, the daughter of Charles H. and Marie (Mayer) Porter. She married Lawrence “Larry” Andrew Kalina, April 20, 1955, in Richmond. She graduated from St. Gertrude High School in Richmond and worked as a draftswoman in the engineering department of Bell Telephone Company in Richmond, and Western Electric in Chicago, where the couple lived before moving to Menomonie.
They raised five sons, and as they grew older, Barbara returned to work at Facility Services at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and women’s church choir, and a volunteer at St. Joseph School, Menomonie. Barbara, who was known for her big smile, generous laugh and quick wit, was an avid reader, cook, baker, quilter and antiques collector. She enjoyed genealogy, auctions, growing flowers and feeding songbirds.
Barb is survived by five sons: John (Michelle) Kalina, Anoka, MN, Lawrence Jr. (Teresa) Kalina, Houston, TX, Matthew (Lisa) Kalina, Scottsdale, AZ., Paul (Jane) Kalina, Houston, TX, and James (Kim) Kalina, Minneapolis, MN, one grandson, Stephan Kalina; sister Eugenia “Gene” Knox, Fort Myers, FL and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Lawrence in 2022, also age 96; a brother Louis Porter; and two sisters: Marie Kalina and Charlotte Davis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Defenders of Wildlife, Nature Conservancy, The Trees Remember and Wildlife Conservation Society.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 11, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie, with Rev. John Mano officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Rhiel Funeral Home, in Menomonie, and at 9:45 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral at the church.