Robert J. “Bob” Kalaveras, earned his wings to heaven on September 16, 2023. Robert suffered with Parkinson’s Disease for over 14 years and did so with dignity. His passing was swift and he was lovingly cared for by his wife and family. Robert was born on January 16, 1945 in Pilot Point, Texas, to Louis and Dorothy (Gattis) Kalaveras. He was the first boy and the second of eleven children. He spent his early years in San Francisco, CA. The family moved to San Mateo, CA when Robert was 12. He learned the value of hard work early in life, delivering the newspaper on his bike riding the steep hills in the area. He also became an expert at diaper changing and bottle feeding at a very young age taking care of his many siblings.
Robert worked in many different areas but mostly in the restaurant and construction business while in California. He was married to Bonnie Rushford in 1964 and was blessed with a son, Robert J. “Bobby” Jr. He moved to Helena, Montana in 1971 to be nearer to his son, Bobby, Jr. While living in Helena, he worked as a cook, a painter, and finally as a maintenance technician at Helena Housing Authority for over 30 years. While working at Jorgenson’s he met Darlene Radley and her two beautiful daughters, Renee Lamping and Leona Searles. They became a family in 1977. Even though his marriage ended, he continued to be a dedicated father to his son, Bobby and his daughters, Renee and Leona.
Robert returned to his Catholic roots in 1987 through the Divorce Support Group at the Cathedral of St. Helena. He was an active member of the parish and became involved in the Cursillo movement and eventually the Walk to Emmaus and made many life long friends. He was a Eucharistic Minister and a Reader at the Cathedral of St. Helena. He was a soldier for Christ first and foremost.
Robert was a backpacker, hiker and bike rider extraordinaire! Among some of his backpacking adventures the one that he was most proud was the Grand Canyon. He maintained friendships with like-minded hikers and bikers.
In 2003 he met the love of his life, Michele (Benbenek) Wojcik, at a Catholic Singles Coffee. After many gatherings of the group, they became more than friends and married on
February 14, 2004 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Robert gained two outstanding and loving sons, Steve and Mark Wojcik, their wives and children.
Robert and Michele enjoyed many happy years together and were able to enjoy many camping and hiking trips, cross-country skiing outings and traveling before Robert’s health declined in the last couple of years.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ann, brother, Anthony and several extended family and many dear friends. He is survived by his wife, Michele, his son, Bob and wife, Sara, daughters, Renee and husband, Ric Lamping, and Leona Searles, son Steve Wojcik and wife, Beth, son Mark Wojcik and wife Abbie, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. He is also survived by his Aunt Andreana, his sisters, Dorothy “Louise” Kalaveras, Barbara North, Loretta (Mike) Gresham and Virginia (Johnnie) Montanez. He is survived by brothers Louis, Paul, Glenn and Phillip Kalaveras, brothers-in-law Lee (Donna) Benbenek and Lary (Basia) Benbenek.
A Vigil service will be held 6:00 PM Wednesday September 27, 2023 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 12:00 Noon at the Cathedral of St. Helena Thursday, September 28, 2023. Burial will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena. Memorial in Bob’s name are suggested to: Because He First Loves Us… Capital Campaign, Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street Helena, Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 P.M.
Wednesday September 27, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2023
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday September 28, 2023
Brondel Center
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Approximately 2:30 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2023
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 P.M.
Wednesday September 27, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2023
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday September 28, 2023
Brondel Center
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Approximately 2:30 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2023
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
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paul kalaveras says
My loving brother Robert always made such an incredible positive impression on me for being that truly amazing caring compassionate person. He had such a drive and love for life and indeed made the world we all share a much better place. He always inspired me in my desire in striving to be a better person myself. This I’m truly grateful to him. I cherish my many wonderful memories. Rest in forever loving peace Robert, Paul
Renee Lamping says
Dad, words can’t express how much I miss and love you! You were a wonderful loving father, husband and grandfather. You were such a hardworking person and did everything to the best of your ability and then some. You helped make me the person I am today! Love you and I am so glad you are not in pain and suffering anymore.
Virginia Montanez says
My dear brother Robert, Having you for a brother has been such a blessing to me. I loved everything about you, even your idiosyncrasies! I will miss all of you, your smile, your laugh, our talks about our faith, how much we both loved Jesus. You were such a handsome dude too! You were beautiful inside and out. I have some wonderful memories of my trips to see you and your trip to see me and I will hold on to all those happy memories until I see you in heaven. I know you are happy and well with Jesus now and are with all your loved ones that have gone before you. I love you eternally! Your little sister, Virginia
Steve Wojcik says
Bob, you will be missed! I am so grateful and fortunate to have had you in my life. You were such a loving man. You treated my mother, Michele, with the utmost respect and compassion. Thank you for all of the wonderful times. You are whole once again. Rest in peace. Love, Steve.
Dorothy L. Kalaveras says
My brother Robert was 15 months younger than me and we were each others best friend as children. We were also the “junior” parents when our Mom and Dad were out. That made us even closer because though we were children, we shared adult responsibilities.
Robert got me my first job. Girls couldn’t deliver papers in those days, so Robert got routes with 2 papers. I delivered the local while he delivered the Chronicle. As teens we had different circles of friends, but we always knew we would be there for each other.
He grew up to be a god man and a good husband and father. He is gone from this world, but Robert will always be in my heart.
Patty Dahl says
Michele, please accept my deepest sympathy; I loved seeing you and Bob at Mass at SS Cyril & Methodius over the years. Know you are in my heart at this time. May Bob Rest In Peace and may you find comfort in your beautiful memories.
Ellen Petrenko says
Michele, I was saddened to read of Bob’s passing. Sending my sincere sympathy. You and Bob were great Cloverview neighbors and I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband and best friend! May your memories help to get you through this difficult time.
Angelo Kalaveras says
Robert, you were and always will be a pillar in the Kalaveras family.
Louie Kalaveras says
My brother Robert was born in 1945, I was born in 1948, our wonderful and amazing Mother did the best she could working 2 jobs after she and our father got divorced in 1957. I bring this up because our younger siblings and other family members to come in the future will never know the hard times and the chaos, the fighting war zone it was in a house of 11 kids in those days, only Louise, Robert, Anthony, Ann, Barbera, and myself know how hard our Mother worked and fought to keep the family together, a great super Lady that did so much for Robert to help him become the good man that he become as an adult and family man in later years to come, Robert and everyone in our family owes what good there has been in our life, and what dreams came true in our life to our Mother, I know that she was there to welcome Robert the other day. Robert and I were not the best of friends as kids, not at all, But over the years right up to this last year of his life we became friends as brothers, better late then never. Only Robert and I understand what took so long. Bon Voyage Brother, see you on the other side, I hope not too soon, I hope there are oceans and cruise ships were you are, we will do a world cruise together with friends and family. God bless you. Be well and be happy. Till we meet again, Love & Aloha, your brother, Louie
Amanda Burgess says
Very beautifully written. My heart is with my family at this time. Rest now, uncle Robert. Love Amanda
Loretta Gresham says
My oldest brother Robert took over so many responsibilities in our father’s absence at an early age. I think of Robert as a pivotal person in our family. Forever the big brother the strong one we could always go to. Robert was such a loving, compassionate man and he loved the Lord. Robert was fun loving never missed a chance to be humorous, I will miss his laugh.
Though he moved to Montana in the early 70s he always made an effort to visit often and stay in touch, he loved with his whole heart.
Robert never gave up on combating the terrible disease that took him from all of us with dignity and all his strength. He cried and was sorriest to be a burden to his loving, always caring wife Michele to the end.
I love you Robert, by the grace of God we will meet again🙏 Your little sister Loretta Rose
Mumbere Patson says
Am appealing for support towards the orphans in the gods care center
Judy & Leonard Ober says
Michele
So sorry to read this. So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you at this time
Rusty and Kay Marie Pope says
Our deepest sympathy to Michele and family. We cross country skiied and went to potlucks with Bob when we lived in Montana.
From Guemes island Washington
Eugene Fischer says
Gene and Shirley Fischer
Bob was a great neighbor and a great friend. Bob loved trees more than anybody that I have ever met. He had all kinds of different kinds of trees in his yard. He will truly be missed.
David R Martin says
Dave Martin
Bob was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known. His friendship over the past couple of decades has been a wonderful gift that I’ll always appreciate. I miss his presence in our lives!
Patcharin and I offer our sincere sympathy to you, Michele, and your family.
David R Martin says
Dave Martin
Bob was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known. His friendship over the past couple of decades has been a wonderful gift that I’ll always appreciate. I miss his presence in our lives! Patcharin and I offer our sincere sympathy to you, Michele , and your family.
John Larson says
Bob was a good man and one I have always been happy to know and proud to have his friendship. We worked together at Jorgenson’s. Bob was always honest hardworking and very creative. I was able to learn much from him about our common profession but also about honesty and integrity. In later years I learned about the spiritual side of Bob, and we became close in a very special way. I will miss Bob very much but always cherish my time with him.
Bill Anderson says
I met Bob back in the 80’s in Emmaus. I was going through a tough time and he was open, non-judgmental, and always welcoming. We talked often and I recall how physically fit he always was. I thought of him as the “Little Hercules.” I never saw him for years until we met again at Rock Steady. He was the same guy, unchanged, and so driven. I recall watching him hit the heavy bag and thinking that I would not want to be on the receiving end of that punch. As time went on and symptoms evolved for all of us, he was still the same caring guy. He and Michele in that convertible driving together, laughing. I will miss him.