Kalmer McNeal

Kalmer Gilman McNeal, age 73, of Ogema, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2013, at the V.A. Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. A committal service will be at Noon on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Aura Cemetery in Callaway, Minnesota.

Kalmer was born on October 28, 1949, to Morris and Maxine (Harris) Melby in Kenmare, North Dakota. There he grew up and graduated from Kenmare High School in 1967. After graduation, he joined the United States Army, where he served two tours of duty in Viet Nam. During this time, he was formally adopted by his step-father, Herb McNeal. After his honorable discharge he moved to Brownsville, Texas where he worked as a concrete finisher. He returned to the lakes area and briefly worked for the railroad. He then went on to work the remainder of his career as a custodian for the Veteran's Hospital on Fargo, where he remained until his retirement in 2008. In 2011, Kalmer bought a home in rural Ogema where he enjoyed his retirement with his dogs, Lily, Budger, and later, Taffy.

Kalmer is survived by his sister, Kay; his friends who were family to him, and his dog, Taffy; who was his cherished companion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Maxine; his adopted father, Herb; a sister, Jill; and many beloved pets.

Memorials preferred to the Humane Society.