Obituary of Valentine A Kalbfliesh

Valentine (Chic) A. Kalbfliesh, Sr. born August 15, 1936 in Latham, died peacefully at home on June 5, 2015. He approached his battle with lung cancer as he did everything in life, with good humor and determined hard-headedness. Chic spent his final days at his family farm surrounded by the friends and family that he dedicated his life to. He always said his wealth could be measured by his family not material possessions. He was the son of the late Henry, Sr. and Millie Hellwig Kalbfliesh. A lifelong dairy farmer, he attended Watervliet Schools before moving to Melrose in 1958. Chic had the unique ability to make everyone feel special. He loved nothing more than spending time with family. Above all, he valued people by their character. His green-thumb knew no regional boundaries. He was often found starting seeds and tending citrus trees on his windowsills. He loved nature and enjoyed touring his property watching the birds and other animals. His legacy of kindness and caring lives on in his family; his wife of 54 years, Pauline Lussier Kalbfliesh of Melrose, his children Eva (John) Moore of Valley Falls, Val (Bertie) Kalbfliesh of Melrose, Dawn Schaeffer and her fiancé Tom (Skip) Heaney of Melrose, Liz (Joe) Ruepp of Melrose. Grandfather of Emily and Matthew Moore, Tom and Melissa (Amanda) Kalbfliesh, Rebecca and Nichole Schaeffer and Alex and Liliana Ruepp. He was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first great grandchildren in September. Brother of John (Pat) Kalbfliesh of Buskirk also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Mildred Brink, Ruth Robinson, Helen McCulloch, June McCulloch, Henry, Robert and Bill Kalbfliesh. At Chic’s request there will be no viewing. A service officiated by Pastor Ewart Morris will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 3:00pm at the home of his daughter, 14 Ridge Road, Valley Falls. A casual celebration of his life will follow. All are welcome. Those who wish to remember Chic in a special way may make a contribution in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.