RYAN A. KALITZKI

Indianola, IA

A funeral mass for Ryan Anthony Kalitzki, 30, who passed away, Wednesday, August 3, 2016 will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, August 8 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola.  Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until service time on Monday at the church.

Survivors include his parents, Garry and Becky Kalitzki; brother, Alex Kalitzki; grandmother, Gisela Vos; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many lifelong friends. Ryan has joined his Grandparents Louis and Norma Gross, Grandfather Blackie Kalitzki, Step-Grandfather Harold Vos, his Uncles:  Mike Layland, Steve Meyer, Jerry Wolterman, his Aunt, Michele Meyer and cousins Rachelle Gross and Samuel Kurtz.

Ryan was a man of many talents and interests. In his youth, he especially enjoyed the thrill and challenge of many different extreme sports. He had no fear of anything, except perhaps boredom. You could often find him "shredding it up" at the local skate park with his group of close knit friends. Ryan wouldn't give up until he perfected his "trick" of the day and when he perfected that one, he moved right on to the next one without missing a beat. He had a collection of broken skateboards far too numerous to count.  Ryan was competitive. He was good at his craft. Any craft.

As a young adult Ryan enjoyed sailing with his family and crewing on Wednesday night beer can races. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the sailing group and especially winning and bragging rights. He also enjoyed riding the local bike trails with his Dad and brother.

Ryan had an amazing ability to overcome any obstacle or adversity in his life. Although he was faced with some difficult challenges he always had the determination and the will to succeed. He wasn't a quitter. Quitter was not in his vocabulary.

Ryan was full of wit and humor. He appreciated a good joke and liked to laugh, and make others laugh.  He had an infectious smile and grin. He was always kind, polite and friendly. His willingness to help others was always commendable. Ryan always stood up for  what he thought was right, and always stood up for the underdog. If you were lucky enough to be his friend or family, he would always have your back. You could count on it. Ryan had the heart of an Angel, but could be as stubborn as a mule. He was a "colorful" person, and put a lot of thought into each of his tattoos and each one told a story about his life and who he was.

Ryan was proud to be an Iowa boy and was equally proud of his heritage. He loved his family, extended family, and friends with his whole heart.

The phrase, "In true Ryan fashion", brings to each of us our own memories. Beautiful memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Fly High Ryan.