William Kaletta

William Robert Suliemann Kaletta returned peacefully to the arms of our loving Heavenly Father on February 8, 2009. He was born on September 13, 1926 in Gary, Indiana to Paul Suliemann and Anna Elida Kaletta. His parents were recent immigrants from Norway who taught him to work hard, be self reliant, and persistent in order to succeed. He began working at the steel plant in Indiana at the young age of 16. After several years he transferred to Utah. There he met and married his soul mate and the love of his life, Ruby Anelia VanAusdal on February 5, 1954. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti LDS Temple. Bill had a zest for life. He loved spending time in the great outdoors. Many special memories are in Utah's mountains; hunting, camping, hiking and fishing with his family. He spent many hours gardening and everyone loved grandpa's green peas and tomatoes. He was passionate about BYU football and the Utah Jazz. But his favorite games to watch were those his kids and grandkids played in. He was kind and generous and could always be counted on to rescue those in need. He was a comforting and loving father and had a way of making all the grandkids believe that each were his favorite. He may not have got your name right on the first, second, third or even fourth time but you left knowing how much he loved you. He was famous for his unique skill of calming fussy babies with Norwegian lullabies. He had a quick and dry sense of humor. You couldn't help but laugh with him. He loved to tease from daylight to dark. He touched the lives of so many people and left this world a better place because of the life he lived. Bill gave a lifetime of service to his church, country, family, friends and even complete strangers. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He honored his priesthood by serving many callings including one to the bishopric. He was the scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He served in the Army during World War II. Recently, he was able to enjoy a trip to Washington, DC with his good friend Myron and other Veterans of our military. He was a dedicated employee for the steel plant for 44 years until retiring from Geneva in 1986. For 55 years he was a member of the Santaquin Volunteer Fire Department. He held many different positions and served as the Fire Chief for four years. Bill loved to help and serve others and found many ways to do so even up to the very end. Grandpa, you will forever live in our hearts. We love you and await the day that we will meet again. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ruby VanAusdal Kaletta; one brother, Harry Kaletta, Portage, Indiana; two sons and three daughters, Robert (Joan) Kaletta, Payson, Vicky Kemp, Georgia, Brenda (Dale) Mikesell, Payson; Paul (Gail) Kaletta, Tooele, and Debbie Kirk, Santaquin; 24 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren. He would proudly say, "Ruby, look at what we started". He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Elida, 7 siblings, Thordis, Emanuel, Phillip, Christopher, Margarette, Hazel and Elida, two grandchildren, Kandiss Kaletta and Dylan Kirk, and a great grandchild, Kyle Johnson A celebration of Bill's life will be held Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Santaquin 12th Ward, 90 South 200 East, where friends and family may call from 9:00 to 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be in the Santaquin City Cemetery with Military Rites by Santaquin American Legion.