Steve Berecek
In memory and honor of my dear old friend Mike Kalcic.
You were my life long friend, compadre, sidekick, fellow jokester, neighbor, schemer, partner in crime, and all around handyman. We did so many things and traveled to so many places together for decades, getting into and out of predicaments regularly. I could tell stories for months, if I were to start doing that. But the memories are many and some are incriminating, so we'll just savor them privately and keep it simple here. I appreciate all of the good times, swimming through bad times, and making the best with what we had at our disposal. We were the epitome of The Little Rascals, growing up in much different times. I owe you a deep debt of gratitude for all of the help and assistance you provided me over the years. From fixing my truck, to rebuilding the family tractor I bought from my dad when he sold the old homestead, to actually making that purchase happen for me even. You were always willing to chip in and help with my special projects, like setting up the light shows, or putting an addition on the old Hiram house. Our kids always loved their Uncle Mike. All of the kids loved Uncle Mike. And we were always connected like brothers, no matter how long we might go without seeing each other. Even though our life path's sent us in different directions that separated us by miles, we were always close at heart. We might not see each other for years, but that didn't matter. For whenever we would get together it was like we had just been together last week, or yesterday even. We were family. Barb said so. We were always getting together and socializing. Be it at the old brick house, or at our house in Hiram, it didn't much matter. Campfires, cookouts, golf cart rides, late night storytime, but always joking around. You were a true friend that could always bring smiles and joy to everyone that knew you. The strangest schlitz happened whenever you were with Mike Kalcic. One would always see, hear, and witness things out of the ordinary, and Mike would always point it out in some comical way. We came to know them as Mike Kalcic moments. I will forever cherish those memories, and we will continue to use that term whenever we experience yet another "Mike Kalcic moment."
It is hard to believe that it was just a few months ago earlier this year that you carried my dear sweet wife Barbara Ann to her final resting place. You said you were honored to do so. And you well know that I was honored to carry you to yours my dear friend. A sad heartfelt honor that I will remember for the rest of my days until I join you. A lot of people loved you my friend. I love you my friend. Give Barb a big bear hug for me, and a peck on the cheek.
God speed Mike Kalcic.
Know that you are missed by many.
