Pike Township Family Stories
ROBERT A. KAALBERG FAMILY
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, pages 290-291
By Geraldine Wolters KaalbergArnold Kaalberg, Bob’s grandfather, was brought to this country from Holland in 1884. He first married Mary Lindemann, and six children were born to them: Bernadine Kaalberg, John (better known as Jack, who was Bob’s father) Kaalberg, Harry Kaalberg and Agnes Kaalberg. Leonard Kaalberg and Margaret Kaalberg died during childhood. After Mary’s death, Arnold married a woman named Kate.
Jack Kaalberg married Louise Healy at St. Mary’s church in Muscatine, and they had three children, Mary Kaalberg, Robert Kaalberg and Patricia Kaalberg.
Bob Kaalberg was educated in Muscatine county rural schools through eighth grade and took his high school education at Nichols High school, graduating with salutatorian honors. He then attended St. Ambrose college in Davenport for two years. Holding down two jobs, he was employed both at Chown Appliance and as a school bus driver.
In September 1951, he was inducted into the U. S. Army, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for his basic training and plumbing school.
His marriage to Geraldine Wolters took place at St. Joseph’s church in West Liberty. Soon he was sent to serve the Army at Fort Richardson, near Anchorage, Alaska. He finished out his two years hitch there.
After his discharge, Bob and Gerrie settled in Nichols where they raised six children: Catherine Kaalberg, Linda Kaalberg, David Kaalberg, Philip Kaalberg, Annette Kaalberg and Paula Kaalberg.
Bob was employed at Chown Appliance until he went into business for himself as Kaalberg Plumbing, Heating and Electricity in the old telephone building. His mother, Louise, served as his office girl and bookkeeper until her health began to fail, when his wife, Gerrie, took over until she went to work at the J. C. Penney company in Muscatine in the catalog department.
Bob continued to operate the business until he accepted the position of custodian at the Nichols school building in an effort to slow down his busy schedule at midlife. He was promoted to the position of Maintenance supervisor of the West Liberty school system, where he now supervises the nine custodians in the four elementary, middle and high schools in the district. His wife, Gerrie, is now employed as a cook at the Nichols School building.
Bob Kaalberg was appointed mayor of Nichols and served in that capacity for a year or two. When he was reelected, he declined to serve again.
Organizations he belongs to are the Mansell L. Phillips American Legion Post in West Liberty and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Muscatine. Bowling is a favorite pastime, and he spends much of his free time in the summer at a cabin on the Mississippi river near Muscatine.
Bob was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church in Nichols until he and Gerrie moved to West Liberty. Now he belongs to St. Joseph’s Catholic church in West Liberty.
Louise Kaalberg told this anecdote, which is worth remembering: She and Jack received a telephone call in the middle of the night. It was Clifford Hesser, who owned the local telephone company, telling Jack that his Dad’s house in Nichols was on fire. In the excitement, Jack grabbed the alarm clock and headed down the stairs. Louise followed and Jack his pants at the door and laughingly said, “Don’t you think you’ll need these Jack? I wouldn’t want you to be arrested for indecent exposure.” Luckily, nobody was injured in the fire, and Jack was not arrested.
Catherine Joan Kaalberg, first child of Bob and Gerrie, was born in Iowa City. She was married at St. Mary’s church in Nichols to Dennis R. Cox, son of Jesse Cox and Betty Cox. They have no children.
Linda Susanne Kaalberg, second child of Bob and Gerrie, was born in Iowa City. She was married at St. Mary’s church in Nichols to David R. White, son of Roger White and Lucy White. They have two sons: Andrew David White and Travis James White.
David Alan Kaalberg, son of Bob and Gerrie, was born in Iowa City. He married Arletta M. Seering Ingersoll at the Christian church. Arletta is a daughter of Roland Seering and Lois Seering.
John Philip Kaalberg, son of Bob and Gerie, was born in Iowa City. He married Jill M. White at St. Mary’s Catholic church. Jill is a daughter of Roger White and Lucy White. They have two children: Cristin Ann Kaalberg and Benjamin John Kaalberg.
Annette Marie Kaalberg was born in Iowa City to Bob Kaalberg and Gerrie Kaalberg. She married Michael D. Carter, son of Donald Carter and Colleen Carter, and they were divorced. They had two daughters, Holly Christine Carter and Heather Marie Carter.
Paula Jean Kaalberg, youngest child of Bob Kaalberg and Gerrie Kaalberg, was born in Iowa City. She is unmarried.
Return to Family Stories Index Return to Muscatine Co. IAGenWeb, Index Page
Page created December 15, 2010 by Lynn McCleary