Paul Gene Kalkman, age 82, of Holland passed away in his home on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Paul was born January 28, 1944, in Holland, Michigan, to Cornelius and Marguerite Kalkman. When he was old enough, he joined his brothers working for the family business, Kalkman Redi-Mix, while also attending school. Paul graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1962 and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Ellen Bouws, on August 27, 1965.
Paul graduated from Ferris State University in 1966 and soon began working for Donnelly Mirrors. He was a hard worker-his children remember going to work with him on many Saturdays and walking alongside him through the plant-and rose through the company ranks to eventually become president of Donnelly Corporation. Paul was an entrepreneur at heart and was involved with numerous companies. His most successful venture was KAM Plastics, which he started with his friend Cleon Morgan in 1994. It was from KAM that Paul eventually retired in 2013.
Paul enjoyed cars, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He was a lifetime member at the Holland Fish and Game Club. In his spare time, he created a family retreat near Leroy MI, building a cabin where everyone could gather, building roads and plowing trails through the woods with the heavy equipment he used in his youth at Kalkman Redi-Mix. He loved to spend his days tinkering at the Cabin, often with Linda and the grands there for company.
Paul was blessed with a wonderful circle of dear friends and extended family with whom he and Linda often visited and traveled. Above all, Paul was devoted to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in particular his wife, Linda. Paul and Linda have modeled a strong, faith-based marriage, rooted first and foremost in a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul was a member of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church and served in various capacities.
Paul was preceded in death by his siblings: Ken Kalkman, Chet Kalkman, Earl Kalkman, Donna Wolters, Dave Kalkman; and in laws, Evie Kalkman, Phyllis Kalkman, Mary Kalkman, Paul Wolters, and Jeff Altena.
Paul will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda, of nearly 61 years; daughters, Kimberly (Steve) Raak, and Robin (Brett) Diepenhorst; his son, James (Beth) Kalkman; nine grandchildren: Jason (Courtney) Raak, Jacob (Claire) Kalkman, Lauren (Ethan) Mouw, Lindsey (Logan) Eby, Benjamin Kalkman, Kaitlyn Diepenhorst, Hunter Diepenhorst, Colin Kalkman, and Luke Diepenhorst; four great-grandchildren: Wrenley Raak, Blakely Raak, Charlotte Kalkman, and Jonah Kalkman.
Paul is also survived by his sister, Marge Altena; and In-Laws, Ardith Kalkman, Sue Harleman, Darlene (Ron) Dykstra, John (Bonnie) Bouws, and Bryan (Cathy) Bouws.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Riley’s Grove, Hospice of Holland, and Comfort Keepers in coordinating efforts in bringing Paul home for his last few days.
Funeral services are planned for 11:00am Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 E 8th St., Holland. Rev. Ralph Beidler will officiate. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 4:00-7:00pm Wednesday, August 12, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland
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