Cover photo for Gustof Kalafice's Obituary
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1915 Gustof 2015

Gustof Kalafice

June 1, 1915 — February 7, 2015



Gustof Kalafice (99) passed away on February 7, 2015 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill. Gustof was born June 1, 1915 to Nicholaus and Irene Kalafice who came to the US from Greece and later settled in Merrill. Gustof's name at birth was Constantine and later changed to Gustof.

Gus was a life-long resident of Merrill, graduating Merrill High school in 1933 followed by two years at Carroll College in Waukesha. He married Gayle Gould on February 19, 1937. Gayle preceded him in death on Sept 16, 1994 after a long illness. They were happily married for 57 years.

Gus loved music and in 1946 he realized his dream of opening his own music store in Merrill, The Merrill House of Music, with the help of his wife, Gayle. He sold musical instruments, records, stereos and televisions and saw many changes in the industry. He retired at the age of 75, turning the business over to his son James, who had worked side by side with him in the business over the years, just as James's son, Christopher, is currently working side by side with him. Gus also owned and operated the former Bellevue Cafe for several years. Gus enjoyed his work and never felt it was a job. He loved to talk with his customers and most of them knew him as "Gussy." He was an eternal optimist and loved life and his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman spending many weekends in the north woods and usually taking an annual trip to Canada. Gustof had been active for a number of years with Trout Unlimited, and with the Kiwanis Club of Merrill.



Beside his parents and wife, Gustof was preceded in death by his sister, Katherine, and also his oldest son, Nickolas. Survivors include his son James and wife Marlin, and his daughter, Mary Kaye Bronsteatter and husband Reid, Merrill; Daughter-in-law Judith Kalafice, No Canton, Ohio; Nieces- Irene Ballas, Merrill, Helen Rouman (George), Big Rapids, Michigan, and Judith Hughes, Chesterton, Maryland; 4 Grandsons – John Kalafice (Pam) Canton, OH, Christopher Kalafice (Ann) Merrill, Matthew Bronsteatter (Amber) Wausau, Michael Bronsteatter, Merrill and Phillip (Julie) Bronsteatter, Chicago IL; 2 Granddaughters, Roya (Corey) Heinz Merrill, and Ann Weigand Massillon OH; 9 Great Grandchildren – Ryan and Garren Weigand Massillon, OH, Kasey and Kaitlin Kalafice, Merrill, Jaida and Peyton Heinz, Merrill, Micah &Abbi Bronsteatter, Merrill, and Brock Bronsteatter, Wausau; And his good friend of later years, Mary Fromfeld, Merrill.

The funeral mass will be on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 11:30 a.m., St. Francis Xavier Church, Merrill. Father Mike McLain will officiate the services. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Waid Funeral Home until the hour of services.

Waid Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family requests any memorials be given to St. Francis Xavier Church, Merrill.



The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Previous Events

Visitation
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
9:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Waid Funeral Home

301 Eagle Drive
Merrill, WI 54452

Visitation
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
11:30 AM
St. Francis Xavier Church

1708 E. 10th Street
Merrill, WI 54452

Time for food & fellowship will immediately follow Mass at church.


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