Philip Kalaf

Philip Joseph Kalaf, 70, Jefferson City, passed away Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born June 24, 1950, to Joseph and Lilly (Owen) Kalaf and was raised in Meta.

He was united in marriage to Cynthia Diemler, Sept. 6, 1975, at Immaculate Conception Church in Jefferson City.

Phil attended Fatima School District in Westphalia, graduating in 1968. After graduation, he joined the U. S. Navy where he served three tours of duty in Vietnam. After proudly serving his country, he returned home where he was employed with Modern Business Systems and Ikon. Phil was Vice President of the Jefferson City Veterans Council for over a decade, was an active member and post commander for multiple years at the VFW Wyman Baysinger Post 35 and was instrumental in the merge of VFW Wyman Basinger Post 35 and Roy Sone Post 1003. He also served on the executive committee at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization.

Phil was passionate about serving and enhancing the lives of veterans in our community and strongly supported the VFW Honor Guard providing his fellow veterans with the final honors they deserve. He was the recipient of many honors including being the first to receive The Missouri Show Me Honor Award, The VFW Lifetime Achievement Award and The Patriot Award. He also received many military decorations including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Phil was a dedicated family man and had a positive impact on so many lives. He genuinely cared about people and never met a stranger. Later in life he enjoyed taking his family on vacations and spending time with the grandchildren. He was well known for his cooking skills and cherished the times spent with family and friends.

Philip was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Lilly; brother, David Kalaf; and brother-in-law, Charles Jaegers.

He is survived by wife, Cindy; son, Daniel P. Kalaf; daughters, Sara M. Carrender and friend Chris Bratten and Melissa A. Schieferdecker and husband Ron; brother, Anthony Kalaf and wife Cheryl; sisters, Joann Farris and husband Joe, Helen Jaegers and husband Robert, Eva Kalaf, Sara Jaegers and Emily Eggen and husband Gary; and grandchildren, Austin Kalaf-Atkisson, Michael, Emily and Gabriel Schieferdecker, Draven, Traeger, and Zaiden Carrender and Mitch and Beau Bratten.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., (today) Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, also at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Interment with full military honors will be at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City.

Memorial contributions suggested to the VFW Post 1003 Veterans Service Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.