Elmer Richard Kalchik, 90, of Northport, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024, at his daughter’s house in Suttons Bay, with his family by his side.

He was born on September 10, 1933, in Petoskey, Michigan, the son of Roy and Celia (Houdek) Kalchik. On September 6, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Lake Leelanau, he married Mildred “Millie” (Belanger) Kalchik, who preceded him in death on December 30, 2023.

Elmer’s journey through life was marked by dedication, hard work, and a deep passion for farming. After graduating from Northport Public Schools in 1951, he joined his father Roy in working on the family farm. Elmer’s adventurous spirit led him to enlist in the Army, where he completed basic training at Ft. Knox in Kentucky and served as a morse code interceptor at Herzo Base in Germany from 1954 to 1956. During this time, he was able to travel throughout Europe to numerous countries including visits to Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and West Germany. He was able to take numerous pictures and always cherished these memories.

Returning home to the family farm, Elmer transitioned into various roles, including working as a carpenter and as an equipment operator. He met the love of his life, Mildred Belanger, and they lived briefly in Traverse City, MI. Elmer decided to change careers and briefly moved to Dayton, OH for training with the National Cash Register (NCR), where he was employed for 10 years as the manager of the Manistee, MI and Mt. Pleasant, MI branches. He would return to the family farm as often as possible with his family in tow. Many weekends were spent traveling back and forth so when the opportunity to purchase the family farm arouse when his father retired, he happily moved back to Gill’s Pier in 1971 and farmed with his brother Tom. Elmer’s son, Steve, decided to partner with his dad in the 80’s and continues to run the farm operation with his wife.

Farming was Elmer’s true passion; he loved his dairy cows and worked tirelessly on his beloved farm switching from dairy cows and beef to eventually all fruit. He was an excellent self-taught mechanic and welder. There was nothing that he could not fix. A dedicated member of the VFW - Little Finger Post in Lake Leelanau, MI, Elmer’s commitment extended to his community and his fellow veterans. Tales of Elmer’s army life fascinated his grandchild Jason, who is now a Major in the US Army and Grandpa was very proud of him.

Elmer is survived by his three children, Steven (Kathy) Kalchik, Marjorie (Allen) Steimel, Sandra Kalchik; his siblings, Bernice Herman, Patricia Popp, and Thomas ( Jane) Kalchik; his grandchildren, Mike (Marissa) Kalchik, Brian Kalchik, Jenn (Dave) Byers, Nick Steimel, Jason ( Jenny) Steimel, Erica Jones; and his greatgrandchildren, Mikey, Matt, and Emily Kalchik, Ayla Steimel, Ethan, and Madison Jones.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Millie Kalchik, his parents, his brother James (Virginia) Kalchik, Gertrude (Dan) Vingsness, Elizabeth (Otto) Mork, and his brothers-in-law Albert Herman and Clarence Popp.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 19, with the Rosary to be Prayed at 7:00 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, with the family greeting friends at 10:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Church in Gill’s Pier.

Memorials may be directed to St. Wenceslaus Church, 8500 E. Kolarik Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 or to Grand Traverse Area Right to Life, PO Box 5416, Traverse City, MI 49696.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.