Barbara Kalan

Barbara Jean Kalan, 89, of Lodi, WI passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Bay Harbor of DeForest, WI.

A funeral service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Dekorra Lutheran Church with Pastor Sterling officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial at Dekorra Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery will follow. Ryan Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Barb (second youngest of 6) was born on January 12, 1937, in Oak Park, IL, to Wilfred and Minnie (Griesch) Mulholland. On December 3, 1966, she married Bruno Anthony Kalan.  Together, they brought James and Paul into this world. With her son, David, Barb built her early life around her husband, 3 boys and family in Forest Park, IL. Once the kids were of school age, she began an almost 20-year career with Forest Agency, specializing in providing insurance to members of the International Aerobatic Club.  Barb enjoyed her job and the people/experiences that it provided. Camping with the kids; especially at Okee Lodge, eventually led to the purchase of a lot on Lake Wisconsin and the building of their retirement home, where they remained until early this year.  Barb enjoyed her time on the lake with friends and family. During retirement, multiple motor home trips to Donna, TX helped warm their souls in winter.  These trips and others afforded them the opportunity to see most of the contiguous United States. Barb loved the beauty and peaceful life of living on the lake in Lodi.  In the end, however, Barb became a full-time caregiver for her husband who suffers from Alzheimer’s.

One constant throughout her life was her faith. She was a member of St John Lutheran church in Forest Park, IL; transferring to Dekorra Lutheran church when they retired. Barb was a very active member at both churches. In short, she built her life around what mattered most to her, which was her faith and her family.

She was preceded in death by her son David Armstrong; sisters June and Meryle and brothers Ralph and Glenn.

Barb is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bruno; two sons, James (wife Jamie and grandchildren Jordyn and Teagan) and Paul (Maribel); Denise Armstrong; granddaughter Kristen and great grandchildren Nikolas and Olivia; brother Ron (Lou Ann) Mulholland; beloved nieces and nephews; and many dear friends (as far back as childhood).

A special thanks to the staff at Bay Harbor and Bristol Hospice for the support, compassion and help during her final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.