Kenneth A Kallenberg

Calais – Kenneth A. Kallenberg, 93, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Machias. Kenneth was born in Calais on April 27, 1918, son of the late Karl and Elsie (Crabbe) Kallenberg. In his youth, Ken was a well known, local athlete and an enthusiastic advocate of outdoor activities. He is an honoree of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame. At the onset of World War II, he was forced to give up a promising career in major league baseball with the New York Giants organization. An Army veteran, he served in the Pacific as a S/Sgt. Squad Leader with the 103rd Infantry, 43rd Division in Guadal Canal, New Georgia, New Guinea and the Philippines. During this period, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was a member of the Boyd Smith Post American Legion of Calais and the Brewer Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. After the war, Ken returned home to Calais where he had a long and rewarding career with the U.S. Postal Service in Calais, retiring in 1972. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Edythe (Runtagh) Kallenberg; and two sisters, Hilda Bernier and Marion Pignatelli. Surviving are his daughter Joan Talbot of Milbridge; two grandsons, Matthew Talbot and his wife Nicole of Rockland, and Morgan Talbot and his wife Ariel of Salem, MA; great-grandchildren, Mikayla and Jacob Talbot of Rockland; a sister Nellie Russell of Calais; and numerous nieces and nephews. At Ken’s request there will be no visiting hours or public service. A private graveside service for family will be held at the Calais Cemetery. Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to the Maine Veteran’s Home in Machias, 32 Veterans Drive, Machias, ME 04654, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.