Leroy L. Kallus

Leroy L. Kallus, 81, of Hallettsville, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026. He was born on October 26, 1944, in Hallettsville, to Louis R. Kallus & Julia Schindler Kallus.

Leroy was a member of a large family. He was the second born of eight children. He spent his early years working on the family farm with his brothers and sisters. He would recall stories of planting and picking cotton as well as other crops.

Leroy attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hallettsville. Upon graduation from Sacred Heart Catholic High School, he served in the National Guard. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Hallettsville. He married Janice Opela on May 14, 1966. Leroy and Janice celebrated 60 years of marriage on May 14, 2026.

Leroy devoted his life to working the land. He loved gardening, ranching, harvesting pecans, farming, and being in nature. He especially enjoyed visiting with the many farmers and ranchers he encountered in Lavaca County throughout the years while delivering feed and fertilizer. Because of his many trips on the tractor and the time he spent on the roads in Lavaca County, he knew the locations of most of the customers he frequented like the back of his hand. He found peace and joy in his time outdoors.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to Dr. Painter, Dr. Heck, Dr. Selzer and the amazing nursing staff at Lavaca Medical Center. The family is especially grateful to Marcella Wagner, Rose Carroll, Tamra Bedford, Barbara Burley, Shakeia Wade, Tywanna Flores and Pamela Wade for the kind care they gave Leroy at home. The family expresses thanks to Advanced Home Health in particular Susan Barnes and Heather Cejka. The family also wishes to thank Sherry Hale for bringing communion to the home.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents Louis & Julia Kallus and his sister Carolyn Steffek.

Leroy is survived by: his wife Janice Kallus; daughter Melanie Hartt & husband Bryan; son Kevin Kallus & wife Elizabeth; one and only special grandson Benjamin Kallus; sisters, Annie Mae Henneke & husband Kenneth, Agnes Gerlich & husband Hubert, Helen Technik & husband Mike; brothers, Joseph Kallus & wife Diane, Edward Kallus & wife Gail, Michael Kallus & wife Lois. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Albert Steffek. He leaves behind many wonderful nieces and nephews and his best fur babies Buddy and Bear along with his talking parrot Rocky.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville, with Visitation at 8:30 am and Rosary at 9:30 am. Pallbearers: Kevin Kallus, Benjamin Kallus, Bryan Hartt, Roddy Renger, Nathan Bucek, Brandon Baxter, Keith Opela and Brian Henneke. Officiant: Rev. Christopher Bediako. Memorials: American Heart Association, Sacred Heart Catholic Church/School, LUCIE'S Project or Donor's Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.