Kai Calhoun, 84, of Petoskey, passed away unexpectedly from a stroke on Saturday, September 3, 2022 surrounded by his family. She was born on June 26, 1938, in Petoskey, the daughter of Steve and Helen Wodek. She attended school in St. Francis and graduated in 1956. While working as a waitress at Chimney’s Corner, she met the love of her life, Carl Calhoun, a skier from Detroit. Carl and Kai were married on October 5, 1963 and lived out their lives in Petoskey, where they raised their four children, in the same house that Kai grew up in.
His love of the outdoors began at a young age while Petoskey was looking for rocks with his father. She continued as she shared her love of nature and the outdoors with her husband; skiing at the Walloon Hills Ski Resort, Ella “4-40’s” cabin located in UP on the Carp River, snowmobiling and 4-wheeling. Even living in the city, she often saw deer in the yard, squirrels on the deck, and many different kinds of birds. Her lawn was manicured, flower gardens bordered by birdhouses, and an American flag flew proudly.
She was a hard worker: she worked briefly as a waitress and a banker before having children and becoming a housewife. She was a lover of everything related to Christmas. She spent time making wreaths, putting up Christmas trees at church, and celebrating Christmas at her house, where everyone enjoyed her famous Tom and Jerry’s. She liked to surround herself with family and friends, her door was always open, coffee and food were always offered. Kai was always up for a party.
Above all, Kai loved his family: they were the glue that held everything together. She spent many summers camping with her family in their Holiday Rambler camper. She was a die-hard fan of the Detroit Lions, regardless of her record-breaking season. She always hoped that they would make it to the Super Bowl.
Kai was known for her honesty and a life of service to her family and the church. She was a member of the Alter Society, St. Francis Church Choir, coordinator of the funeral luncheon and the August dinner. She was also an original member of the Northern Michigan Chorale as she loved to sing.
We will miss Kai very much!!!
He is survived by his four children; Carla Calhoun of Petoskey, Steve Calhoun of Petoskey, Chris (Steve) Noble of Brimley and Tigger (Talenna) Calhoun of Petoskey; a brother Dave Wodek (Brenda); five grandchildren; Heather Bruce, Kayla Pennington, Bre Calhoun, Lyndsie Calhoun, and Tanya Matin; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Calhoun, her parents, Helen and Steve Wodek, her mother-in-law and mother-in-law, Florence and DeRoy Calhoun, siblings; Michael Wodek, John Wodek and Tom Wodek.
The family will remember and celebrate his life during a memorial gathering at Stones Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 6-8 p.m., Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Petoskey on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 10:30 am, with viewing to begin at 9:30 am
Memorial donations can be made to Hospice or Challenge Mountain.
Arrangements are handled by Stone Funeral Home with special thanks to Rick and the entire Stone family.
Posted online September 6, 2022
Posted in Petoskey News-Review