Lawrence “Windy” Kalmes, 93, of St. Donatus, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Donatus Catholic Church in St. Donatus. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the church. Additional visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday prior to Mass. Burial with Military Honors by the Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. Donatus Catholic Cemetery.

Windy was born on December 31, 1932, in St. Donatus, the son of Theodore and Stella (Frantzen) Kalmes. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On August 20, 1957, he married Helen Ploessl, who preceded him in death on July 27, 2017. Together, Windy and Helen owned and operated Kalmes Restaurant in St. Donatus since 1956, building a local landmark known for its hospitality and heart.

Windy was deeply involved in his community. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in LaMotte, a 70-year member of the Bellevue American Legion Post #273, a founding member of the St. Donatus Community Club, St. Donatus Luxembourg Society, and a longtime member of the Iowa Hospitality Board and SABRE. He loved his hometown and took great pride in the St. Donatus community.

Windy enjoyed trips to Luxembourg, Las Vegas, fishing, and, most of all, spending time with his family and friends. Family vacations were a cherished tradition, and his warmth, humor, and generosity touched everyone who knew him.  He enjoyed his weekly trips to Dairy Queen with Jimmy.

Windy and Helen were a inspiration to the next generation, they were mentors to many and made everyone feel special and supported.

He is survived by his children Mike Kalmes, James “Gomer” (Lori) Kalmes, John (Lou Ann) Kalmes, Brian “Pee Wee” (Barb) Kalmes, and Jodi (Willie) Hingtgen; twelve grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren; his in-laws Ruth Ambrosy, Mary Lou Heinricy, Larry (Linda) Ploessl, Marilyn Ploessl, and Wilma Ploessl; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Helen; an infant daughter, Ann; siblings Harold (Marie) Kalmes, Mariela (Loras) Berthel, Bert (Mary) Kalmes and Rosella (Lloyd) Gibbs; and in-laws Sylvester Ploessl, Cy Ploessl, Judy Nemmers, and Art (Rosalie) Ploessl.

Windy will be remembered for his dedication to family, faith, community, and country — and for the joy he brought to everyone around him.

A special thank you to all who loved and visited with Windy while he sat in his “spot”.  Also a special thank you for the loving care provided by, Mary and Tori Michel, Tricia Ploessl and many others and Hospice of Dubuque for your guidance and support showed to our family and Windy during this time.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com