Lots of memories about Mr. K. Memories were obtained during my time as a student and after my time as a student at RCHS.
He introduced me to some great books. I stopped by RCHS after classes had finished for the day a number of years after graduation. I think we probably had many of the same teachers still there. As I recall, Mr. K was the main one of the several I saw there that day that remembered me and showed pleasure in having a former student stop in. We only had a short visit, but it was very pleasurable for me. I do not remember if he had his cancer diagnosis at this time or not. The fact that he remembered me and took time to visit made a very deep impression upon me. I feel he probably remembered all his students. In my mind, this man did not teach because he had to, he taught because he wanted to and loved it. He and Mrs. K had a fair sized ranch operation by Lynch, NE. I recall reading or hearing someplace that the Kalkowskis lived on one of their teacher salaries and put the other salary into the ranching operation. I recall their home in Bassett being a modest green colored home a few blocks from school.
I attended Mr. K's funeral at the Catholic church in Bassett. That day, my Mother and I stood crowded along with many others in the basement of that large church, as the upper level was filled to standing room only, also.
We also attended the meal afterwards. It was a roast beef dinner at the Legion or VFW in Bassett. First class send-off, Mr. K.
David S
Lots of memories about Mr. K. Memories were obtained during my time as a student and after my time as a student at RCHS.He introduced me to some great books. I stopped by RCHS after classes had finished for the day a number of years after graduation. I think we probably had many of the same teachers still there. As I recall, Mr. K was the main one of the several I saw there that day that remembered me and showed pleasure in having a former student stop in. We only had a short visit, but it was very pleasurable for me. I do not remember if he had his cancer diagnosis at this time or not. The fact that he remembered me and took time to visit made a very deep impression upon me. I feel he probably remembered all his students. In my mind, this man did not teach because he had to, he taught because he wanted to and loved it. He and Mrs. K had a fair sized ranch operation by Lynch, NE. I recall reading or hearing someplace that the Kalkowskis lived on one of their teacher salaries and put the other salary into the ranching operation. I recall their home in Bassett being a modest green colored home a few blocks from school.
I attended Mr. K's funeral at the Catholic church in Bassett. That day, my Mother and I stood crowded along with many others in the basement of that large church, as the upper level was filled to standing room only, also.
We also attended the meal afterwards. It was a roast beef dinner at the Legion or VFW in Bassett. First class send-off, Mr. K.