Kalgren, James R. Age 58 of Lino Lakes, passed away at St. Therese in Shoreview on May 23, 2019, nearly one year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Jim was born April 19, 1961 in Minneapolis, MN, the sixth of nine children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Joan (Allenburg) Kalgren and sister, Mary(Kalgren) Johnson. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 29 years, Ann(de Lambert) Kalgren; daughter, Bridget (Dan) Stovall; son, Jake Kalgren; sisters, Patricia Krueger, Peggy Isker, Kelly Heyer Kalgren, Renee (Scott) Hadden, Jeanette (Troy) Renner; brothers, Rick (Ann) Kalgren, Tom (Amy) Kalgren; brother-in-law, Murray (Mary) Johnson; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim was raised in Excelsior and graduated from Minnetonka High School where he wrestled and was awarded All Conference both Junior and Senior years. He then earned a degree in Computer Science at the University of MN Duluth. Upon graduating he worked at Control Data's Defense Systems for several years as a software engineer, and in 1988 accepted a job with Boston Scientific, Inc. (previously Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. and Guidant Corp.) as a Systems Engineer where he remained employed for the remainder of his life. During his tenure at Boston Scientific he was responsible for 83 patents issued, traveled the world extensively, and received the Sage Award for his outstanding contributions to patients and medical device products. He especially enjoyed mentoring younger employees, meeting with end users and also developed many strong friendships with coworkers through the years. Jim was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and hunting. He loved his family, cooking for others, walks in the rain, attending his children's sporting events while they were growing up, trips to the Boundary Waters and Canada, and more recently just hanging out with friends and family at his cabin on Round Lake in the Nisswa area. His faith and acceptance of his cancer diagnosis was unwavering and inspirational. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, and true friend to many. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4 with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at ST. JOSESPH'S OF THE LAKES, 171 Elm Street, Lino Lakes 55014. A luncheon will be served following mass. Private interment will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery, Nisswa, MN. The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Hospital, MN Oncology, and St. Therese at St. Odilia for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Pancreatic Cancer Action. holcombhenryboom.com 651-482-7606

Published on June 2, 2019