Jerry J. Kallus

Jerry J. Kallus, 93 of Hallettsville, was born on January 19, 1933, in Hallettsville to Joe P. & Wilhelmina Steffek Kallus. He passed away on May 28, 2026, at home after a lengthy illness.

Jerry attended school at Mossy Grove until the 9th grade and graduated in 1952, from Hallettsville High School. He entered the U. S. Army on June 11, 1953, completing basic training at Fort Bliss with the anti-aircraft artillery Training Center. He served in Germany for 18 months receiving his discharge on April 29, 1955. He attended Baldwin Business College in Yoakum where he met his wife-to-be, Margaret Technik. He and Margaret were married on June 24, 1961, at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Witting.

Upon graduation from Baldwin’s, Jerry began his banking career at First State Bank in Yoakum. In February of 1961, he was employed by First National Bank in Hallettsville. He held the position of Cashier for several years and headed operations of the bank. He became a loan officer and retired in 1993 as Executive Vice President.

Jerry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council 2433, VFW, American Legion, Lavaca Co. Heritage Society and a long-time member of the Hallettsville Lions Club. He served on the money counting committee for the Church picnics and for the Fiddlers Frolics for many years. He was also a life-long blood donor, having donated 89 times totaling 11 gallons over the years.

In retirement, Jerry enjoyed raising Charolais cattle and Axis deer, as well as baling hay, gardening, deer hunting, and pecan grafting and harvesting along with his faithful companion, Tex. He treasured the Wednesday afternoon domino games playing first with Kenneth Henneke, Richard Henneke and Tommy Grahmann for many years and continuing with Mike Technik, Matthew Bludau and others who joined the group until illness forced his retirement from the group.

The family wishes to offer a special thanks to Dr. Tareq Kamal, Dr Morgan Heck, Dr. Kody Selzer, all the nurses at LMC, caregivers Amree, Stacy, Aubrena, Elrose, Pat, Darlene, Tiffany and Kay. Also, thanks to Angela Harper for bringing Holy Communion to the home. All caring thoughts, concerns, and prayers by members of Beta Sigma Phi, the American Legion and the VFW, along with visits by Msgr. John Peters and Father Christopher were greatly appreciated. Thanks to Advanced Home Health, Hospice of South Texas and JOL Hospice of Bastrop. We are especially grateful for the kind and compassionate care given by Kevin Livingston and Nicole Buzek.

Jerry was preceded in death by; his parents, infant brother Leroy, sister and brother-in-law Grace & James Liska, and sister-in-law Debbie Technik.

Jerry is survived by: his wife of 64 years Margaret; daughters, Becky & Steve Roessler and Diana & Leroy Etzler Jr.; grandchildren, Ryan and Marina Roessler, Sarah and Zachary Larson, Lindsay Etzler, and Haley Etzler; great-grandchildren, Andrew Larson and Victoria Roessler and baby Roessler due in June, along with his fur-baby, Bobcat.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Wednesday, at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at 7 pm. Pallbearers: Ryan Roessler, Zachary Larson, Bob Technik, David Liska, Mike Liska and David Minks. Honorary Pallbearers: Tyler Werner, Mike Technik, Melvin Janak, Leroy Etzler, Jr., Steve Roessler, Allen Steffek, Harvey Janak, Edward Grahman, Bruce Bludau, Frank Migl and Jennifer Kraatz. Officiants: Rev. Michael Rother, assisted by Father Christopher Bediako and Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church/School, JOL Hospice of Bastrop, or Donor’s choice. Entombment: Sacred Heart Catholic Mausoleum of Hallettsville.