Laura Ann Kalas (nee Hoeflich), born April 4,1985, passed away unexpectedly on November 14, 2020 as a result of complications from recent surgery to treat the cancer she was courageously fighting. A lover of aviation, science, painting, and animals, Laura got her private pilot's license at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and enjoyed working at the Poplar Grove Airport. She went on to graduate from Northeastern University with a degree in biology. She worked for PetSmart for several years, working her way up to assistant store manager in Elgin. She loved her job and was looking forward to returning there once recovered from her treatments. She enjoyed the camaraderie with the staff and her friends at LGN Performance, and was looking forward to getting back to it. A shining light in countless lives, her bright smile, fun personality, and warm heart will be dearly missed.
Preceded in death by her father, Gary Hoeflich; maternal grandparents; and paternal grandfather, Vern Stefanski. Laura is survived by her mother, Elena Hoeflich; sisters, Diana (John) Schultz and Nora (Isaiah) Cole; niece, Ellie Schultz; and nephews, Cooper Schultz and Kacen Cole; former husband, Fielding Kalas; special friend, Bob Treadwell; former in-laws, Bill and Sarah Kalas, Mac, Summer, Georgia, Violet, and Pearl Jones (she embraced her role as aunt and godmother); and multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and paternal grandmother, Dolores Stefanski.
The family wish to thank the staff at SwedishAmerican and UW for doing everything they could do to help save her.
Memorial visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00pm on Saturday, November 21, 2020 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main Street, Roscoe, IL 61073. Please observe social distancing and wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers, loved ones wishing to make a charitable donation in Laura's name can do so with the Salvation Army or PetSmart Charities.
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