Betty L Kalinke-Chesak

Betty Lucille (Zakostelsky) Kalinke-Chesak at the age of 88 years old died, Friday, October 11th, 2024 at Oak Grove Christian Retirement Home. She was born April 22, 1936 to the late Richard and Marie (Forte) Zakostelsky. She was united in marriage June 15, 1956, to the late Melvin Kalinke. She was also united in marriage December 27th, 1997, to the late Allen Chesak. Betty graduated from North Judson High in 1954 and as she had done for many years, recently organized the 70th NJHS reunion. Betty, for many years was involved in, and the chairwoman of the North Judson Mint Festival. She was an avid collector and historian of North Judson’s town history. She was a member of the North Judson American Legion and the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. Betty was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church and participated on many committees and the ladies aide organization. After graduating high school Betty began work as a teller at the American State Bank and worked her way to the position of Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer. Later in life Betty attended and graduated from Ancilla College with an associate degree. Betty lived a very active life and loved to travel. She traveled across the seas to the Soviet Union, East Germany, and England. She also widely traveled the United States and Canada. Betty loved to attend speaking events which included famous people such as Mrs. Michael Gorbachev, Barbara Bush, and the Dali Lama. She also attended a church service and had her picture taken with President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Betty had a continual thirst for knowledge and new adventures. Betty loved her friends and continued strong friendships for her entire life. She was fervently proud of her home town of North Judson and her presence and stories will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Betty is survived by her son Keith (Brenda) Kalinke and step sons Robby and Rick Chesak. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kayla (Josh) Poort, Kory (Julie) Kalinke, and Grace Gidley and her great-grandchildren Adisynn and Abygail Kalinke and Rhett and Ruby Poort. Betty is survived by her brother-in-law Jim (Melodee) Kalinke. Betty was preceded in death by her late husbands Melvin Kalinke and Allen Chesak. Also preceding her in death were her parents Richard and Marie Zakostelsky and her sister Diane Hirschberg. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am CT, Monday October 21st, followed by Funeral Services at Noon at the O’Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson, Indiana. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery.

Betty L Kalinke-Chesak

April 22, 1936 - October 11, 2024