Richard R. "Ernie" Kallas, age 66, of Waukau, died Monday, February 5, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center from pancreatic cancer. He was born on September 11, 1940 to Ralph and Lucille (Hess) Kallas. He graduated from Omro High School in 1958 and spent most of his life on road construction. He retired from Vinton Construction Company in 2000 and was a member of Laborer's Local # 330. Richard married Dianne Lee on February 24, 1968 at St. Thomas Church in Poygan. He played baseball in the 50's and 60's with the Eureka Falcons and loved to fish and hunt. After retirement; he spent many hours gardening and had his roadside produce stand selling vegetables, strawberries, pumpkins, and hickory nuts.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; and three sons, of whom he was so proud, Scott, Waukau, and his children, Amanda and Hunter; Daniel (Jodi), Omro and their children, Mitchell, Logan, and Ashlee; and Mark (Laurie), Oshkosh, and their daughter, Olivia; his mother, Lucille Shave, Omro; and four sisters; Sharon (Joe) Erickson, Green Lake, Dawn (Sal) Caldrone, Lake Zurich, Il., Kathleen Schaele, Oshkosh, and Kandace (Mark) Werner, Neenah. He is further survived by Dianne's family, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph, and mother and father-in-law, Leland and Marion Lee. Many thanks to Astra and Affinity Hospice and all the 5th floor nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center.

In respect to Richard's memory, the family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, February 9, 2007 St. Mary's Catholic Church, 233 E. Scott St., Omro from 2:00 P.M. until 5:45 P.M. The Memorial Mass will be offered at 6:00 P.M. at church with Rev. Joseph Mattern officiating.