Orpha Y.

Kalkowski

Niobrara — Orpha Yvonne Kalkowski, 89, of Niobrara, died peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Alpine Village in Verdigre surrounded by her family and loving caregivers.

Visitation was held Monday, May 26, 2025 at Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Lynch with a wake service.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the church in Lynch. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated.

Burial was in the Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Cemetery in Lynch.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Brockhaus Funeral Home in Niobrara was in charge of the arrangements.

Orpha was born on Nov. 16, 1935, in Verdel, in the home of Leo and Mabel Peters. She was the cherished daughter of Marvin and Helen (Stiefvater) Tuch. 

Orpha attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse on the hill just above where her family lived. She graduated from Lynch High School in 1953 and went on to attend Norfolk Junior College for a year obtaining a teaching certificate. She dedicated three years to teaching elementary grades at a country school in Verdel, where she was known for her loving nature. 

On June 4, 1956, Orpha married August “Corky” Kalkowski in Lynch. Together they began their life farming in the Lynch community. They later moved to a farm near Monowi in Knox County before settling permanently on a farm west of Verdel in 1963, where they built their family's home and legacy. She and Corky were blessed with three children Curtis, Tammy and Pamela. 

After she finished her teaching career, Orpha devoted herself fully to life on the farm. She took pride in preparing hearty lunches and delivering them to the fields, ensuring the farmers were well fed during long days of work. Whether it was tending the garden, preserving food or supporting daily chores, she embraced everything that came with being a farm wife 

Orpha was a woman of many talents and passions. She had a love for gardening and enjoyed ceramics and crafting, often creating thoughtful and beautiful pieces for her home and family. A devoted animal lover, Orpha, had a special bond with her cats—especially her beloved Tiger. 

She was a faithful member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, where she was involved in the Altar Society. 

Over the years, she held various jobs around Verdel, including positions at the grocery store, local eating establishments, the post office and more. 

Above all, she found her greatest joy in attending the sporting events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, rarely missing a chance to cheer them on from the sidelines. 

Orpha was a woman of deep faith who continually prayed for her loved ones, always keeping them close in both her heart and her prayers. She was always thinking of her family, worrying about their well-being and making sure they knew how much she cared. 

Orpha is survived by her husband Corky of 68 years; her two children Curtis (Carol) Kalkowski of Verdel and Tammy (Brad) Ducker of O'Neill; six grandchildren Cassie (Jody) Stark of Niobrara, Camie (Tom) Pinkelman of Fordyce, Brett (Sarah) Ducker of Bloomington, MN, Calie (Jeremy) Hazen of Satanta, KS, Austin (Danielle) Ducker of Ramsey, MN and Cade (Kate) Kalkowski of Lynch; eight great-grandchildren Harley and Taylen Stark, Hunter and Easton Pinkelman, Kyra and Dixie Hazen, Brooks and Owen Ducker and one more on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Helen Tuch, her daughter Pamela Kalkowski, her two brothers-in-law Leo Kalkowski and Harlan Heiser, her mother- and father-in-law George and Kathryn Kalkowski and her cat Tiger.