Our beloved Joe Kalkman passed away on September 28, 2021 at the age of 90. Joe was born on December 29, 1930 to Bernard John Kalkman and Catherine Irene (Fanning) Kalkman in Faulkton, South Dakota. He had two older sisters who doted on their youngest brother and two older brothers who, as would be expected of farm boys, probably did not dote on him much.

The family owned and operated a farm just outside of town. Joe enjoyed a loving childhood during the nation's toughest economic period. The experiences of farm life during The Great Depression instilled in him the necessity of hard work, the value of good common sense, the imperative of personal integrity and the joy and comfort of family.

Joe studied geology at The University of South Dakota. His studies were interrupted for two years of service in the US Coast Guard. Upon his college graduation in 1956, he secured a position with Texaco and was placed in their Ardmore office.

In Ardmore, he met Consuelo Aurora Fernandez Diez at a dance at the Chickasaw Lake Club. Consuelo was the Spanish teacher at Ardmore High School. The couple was married in 1958 in Consuelo's hometown of Monterrey, Mexico. Their first daughter, Susan was born two years later. Their second daughter, Carol was born four years after.

In 1970 Joe established his own independent oil and gas exploration and mineral company where he worked until he was no longer able at the age of 88. Joe loved his work and had a natural affinity for it. He valued working independently, yet thoroughly enjoyed the many lasting friendships and business relationships he made in Southern Oklahoma's colorful oil industry. He expanded the scope of his interests in his fifties when he took up the sport of golf. He enjoyed many rounds at Dornick Hills Golf Course with a group of Ardmore's finest men.

He and Consuelo remained committed to, supportive of and in love with one another for over 63 years, celebrating that anniversary on June 21, 2021.

The true wealth and joy in Joe's life was his family. Whether it was a riding-lawn-mower ride with his grandson, a princess tea party with his granddaughter or a relaxing day at Lake Murray with his entire family, he was always eager to spend time with his loved ones. He was a phenomenal husband, dad and grandpa. It brings us peace that he had an abundance of the two most valuable assets in life: time and love. We are thankful for that and we will always be thankful for him.

Survivors include his wife, Consuelo Kalkman; brother and best childhood friend, Bill Kalkman and sister-in-law Joyce Kalkman; daughter, Susan Habeck; daughter Carol Kalkman and former son-in-law Jeff Watkins; granddaughters Emily Habeck and Katherine Habeck; grandsons Joe Watkins, Ben Watkins, and John Habeck. He is also survived by an abundance of nieces and nephews, their children, and their grandchildren, who carry fond memories of his gracious manner and sincere interest in their lives.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard John and Catherine Irene Kalkman and his siblings, Mary Ann Hathaway, Kathleen Cunningham and Clarence Kalkman.

Our family would like to thank the following very special people who entered our daily lives two years ago to assist in his care. Each treated him as though he were their own father: Suzy Morrison, Jessica Rivera, Heidi Rivera, LeTicia Paris, Caitlyn Paris, Sherry Parrot, Denise Ellis, Beata Bil, Pam Johnson, and Kristie McDonald. They were recently joined in their efforts by Cross Timbers Hospice who helped us through the final stage of Joe's life with love and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, any donation to a library of your choice would have made him very happy, as this is where he took his daughters on Tuesday evenings during their childhood. He believed that "If you can read, you can do anything you want in life."

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at the Kalkman Family Reunion during the summer of 2022.