Robert L. Kalenda

Robert (Bob) L. Kalenda passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 8, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Caren (Phares) and daughter, Kim, of San Francisco, California. He is also survived by his brother, Keith Kalenda, of Shoreview.
Bob was born on December 8, 1947 in Minneapolis to Leo and Margaret (Hoffman) Kalenda. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1965 and from Saint Cloud State University in 1969. He worked as a banker at Northwestern National Bank and Park National Bank. He attended law school at night and graduated from Hamline University School of Law with a J.D. in 1976. Bob practiced law with Thomas Murphy before becoming a partner in the law firm of Hall, Byers, Hanson, Steil, & Weinberger. He opened Kalenda & Associates in St. Cloud in 1987.
Bob was active in the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors for the St. Cloud United Way, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Paramount Arts Resource Trust. One of his greatest achievements was the part he played in helping to save the Paramount Theater.
Bob used his expertise in business law and bankruptcy as a way to help others. He was a professional mentor to other attorneys and young professionals, and taught seminars throughout Minnesota for the Continuing Legal Education program of the Minnesota Bar Association. He was an instructor in business law at Saint Cloud State University and the chairman of various Minnesota Bar Association committees. Bob was awarded the Raeder Larson Public Service Award in 2003 for outstanding service to the public through the provision of pro bono legal services.
Bob met his wife Caren while he was still a student at SCSU, and they were best friends for 50 years. He deeply loved her and his daughter, and enjoyed traveling and cooking for them. The family pets were a source of great entertainment and joy. Bob never forgot a holiday or special occasion, and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Margaret.
Family, friends, and acquaintances are invited to a celebration of his life on Saturday, February 13th. This social gathering will take place from 3-5 p.m. at the Green Mill Restaurant in St. Cloud.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lucky’s Place, Minnesota Sheltie Rescue, or SCSU Foundation.