David "Dave" Kalar, age 83, passed away at home on the evening of February 19, 2026.

David was born in Atascadero, CA on December 3, 1942 to John and Margaret Kalar. He spent his formative years in Taft, where he graduated from Taft High School in 1961. His summers growing up were spent on his Uncle Babe's ranch in Paso Robles. Here, he got experience driving tractors and baling hay and harvesting wheat. He loved helping them and that's when he fell in love with the western lifestyle.

He went on to attend College of Idaho in Caldwell and majored in zoology. He earned his degree in 1965. During his years there, David was deeply involved in campus life. He was a member of the Intercollegiate Knights, a men's honorary service organization, and Philo-Tech, the natural sciences club. These clubs led to some enriching experiences, including one summer quarter when he went to Mexico with the group to study plants. They didn't stay in hotels; instead they camped for the entire quarter. It was an experience he talked about often over the years. He was elected as Senior Class President, reflecting the leadership, integrity, and commitment to service that would characterize his life.

While in college, David met his first wife, Laura Murphy. They were married in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina and went on to Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning in Georgia, graduating as a Second Lieutenant.

David was accepted into the United States Army Chemical Corps and received further training at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. Upon completion, he was assigned to Fort Lewis in Washington State, where he served as a training officer during the Vietnam War until completing his tour of duty. After leaving his active service, he continued his commitment in the Army Reserves. He fully retired from those duties in 1993. After attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and because of his dedicated service in the Reserves, David was credited with an honorary 9 years of service. This brings his total to 36 years of proud service to the United States Army.

While stationed at Fort Lewis, David obtained his med tech certification at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, WA. In 1971, their daughter Amy Louree was born. Their son, Jon David, was born in 1976. David worked for PacLab, formerly Olympia Medical Lab, from 1972 until 2002.

In 1986, David married his second wife, Claudia Sue Rosenberg (Bergin). Claudia brought with her, two sons, Jim and Forrest Bergin. Together, the family enjoyed farming and raising registered Angus cattle on the family farm in Olympia. They spent many hours taking care of the 40-acre property in Cinebar, WA, where Claudia was raised.

In 1990, along with a group of friends, he helped start the Thurston County Youth Market Animal Sale and was on the board for many years. He also was a member of the Thurston County Fair Board of Directors for a number of years. As a result of David's dedication and hard work he was awarded the Thurston County Fair Lifetime Achievement award; an award to honor individuals who have demonstrated long-term dedication, service, and significant contributions to the fair and the community. In October 2001 David was inducted into the Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame.

Together, David and Claudia spent their retirement years enjoying square dancing and round dancing all over the country with a special group of friends. They were members of the Do-Si-Do Square Dance Club in Olympia, and they were regulars at all the local square dance halls for over 20 years. Some of their

best memories together are the traveling adventures they had, which always included many practical jokes, hilarious costumes and so much laughter with many good friends they met along the way.

They enjoyed following the rodeo circuit with friends in their RV's traveling around the western US. The highlight of every rodeo season was always the St. Paul Rodeo, the Ellensburg Rodeo and of course, the Pendleton Rodeo. Let 'er Buck!! For many years, they capped off rodeo season at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

David and Claudia spent many days and weeks traveling in their RV, visiting historical sites, seeing the country and visiting relatives. They even spent a few years marshaling at the US Open Tournament in Pebble Beach with friends. David enjoyed watching NASCAR races and following the NASCAR drivers and circuit.

An avid outdoorsman, David embraced the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Between 1975 and 1980, he successfully climbed Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Baker. He also had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing, especially in Montana, Idaho, and Alaska. He enjoyed many successful trips shared with his brother and great friends, treasuring the camaraderie, stories, and time spent together as much as the adventures themselves.

He is survived by his loving wife, Claudia; his brother, Bill Kalar; his sister, Dovie Bertolucci; his daughter, Amy Kadlec; his son, Jon (Julie) Kalar; his stepsons, Jim (Jodi) Bergin and Forrest (Shelly) Bergin; his grandson, Zachary Kadlec; his granddaughter, Jenna Kalar; his step-grandchildren, Abrea (Clark) Smith and JD Bergin; and his great step-grandson, Brantley Smith.

David will be remembered for his love of family, his devotion to community, his adventurous spirit and the warmth, humor and loyalty he shared generously with all who knew him. His life was marked by service, leadership, and quiet strength, and his legacy lives on in the generations that follow him.

A memorial service for David will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 11:00 am at Newell-Hoerling's Mortuary in Centralia, WA. A graveside service will be held at Alpha Cemetery in Onalaska, WA directly following the conclusion of the memorial service. Finally, there will be food and fellowship at the Tenino Eagle's #564 in Tenino, WA at 3:30 pm. The family hopes you will join them to celebrate the life of their beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Grandpa and Friend.