Peter Kallen
1950 - 2026
Peter Hubert Kallen of Strathmore (formerly of Vauxhall), passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the age of 76 years.
Peter is survived by his beloved children Gregery (Angela) Kallen of Vancouver, British Colombia, Rebecca Elisha Kallen of Calgary and Christine Kallen of Strathmore; his cherished grandsons Angelo Rubini, Fynn Adam Kallen and great grandson Luca Rubini. He will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings Elizabeth (Steve) Alexander, Marianne (Pete) Brouwer, Irma Kallen, Hubert (Karen) Kallen, Carl Kallen, Tony Kallen and Kathy Young Pine; Aunts, Uncles and cousins of the Kallen and Janssen families in Germany. He will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews who admired and had deep respect for their Uncle. Peter is also survived by the mother of his children Leslie Walker-Kallen and her mother Inez Walker; Leslie’s siblings Diane, Wendy (Jim), Grant (Susan), Jill (Mike) and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Adam and Irmgard Kallen; infant sister Theresa; nephews Troy Kallen, Dustan Kallen, and Derrick Young Pine; his paternal and maternal grandparents, four uncles and two aunts, and by his cousin Karl, all of Germany; father-in-law Don Walker; brothers-in-law, Mike Walker and Pat Walker; and son-in-law Nick Punga.
Peter was born on January 7, 1950, in Neuss, Germany to his parents Adam and Irmgard (née Janssen) Kallen. In 1953 at the tender age of three and a half, Peter emigrated from Germany to Canada with his mother and three sisters, to rejoin his father Adam, who had emigrated ten months earlier, settling into the family's first Canadian home in Barnwell, Alberta. It was a two-room shack. Over the next many years, Peter resided in various farming communities in Southern Alberta including Vauxhall, Coaldale, Bassano and eventually to Vauxhall again, on the family farm, where he completed high school.
He was active in the 4-H Club as a teen, learning about the cattle business, something that he was never fond of, those of you who have worked with cattle may share the same sentiment. He went on to Olds College of Agriculture and Technology to further his education in the agriculture program while also learning the trade of welding. He attended the Fine Arts Program at the University of Lethbridge, continuing to master his artistic skills, a natural talent that flowed through Peter. He then began his personal farming career on his own farm in the Ranier District, with the knowledge and expertise he gained while working alongside his Dad, Adam.
Peter and Leslie were married in 1983, and he affectionately adopted Greg as his own, soon after they welcomed their daughter Rebecca in 1984 and then daughter Christine in 1987 to complete their family. Peter and his family moved to Strathmore in 1996. Here he worked as a crop adjuster for AFSC and in 2004 started his employment at Eagle Lake Nurseries, mechanically maintaining their machinery and equipment, until his passing. His fellow colleagues have expressed their profound loss in Peter’s passing, he was undeniably an important and valued part of their farm and he effected their lives through his many years of mentorship and guidance.
Peter also gave many hours of service volunteering at the annual Strathmore rodeos, spending hours creating, with great ingenuity, his infamous whirly-gigs that he would donate to raise funds for different charities and programs. He also gave much of his time and talent to the Churches and Live-in communities he belonged to, sharing and donating his artistic content focused on faith, community and personal reflections. Peter will truly and deeply be missed by his many associates and close friends, whom he came to know and value greatly through his involvement in these various church and community based organizations.
Peter held these many connections close to his heart, however, his most cherished connections were with his family. Peter delighted in family get togethers and campouts and would not miss attending. He treasured the quality time he had with his loved ones. Peter was ecstatic to become an OPA. He loved the time he shared with his grandsons and he beamed with pride whenever he spoke of them. He will forever be remembered as a devout father and loving and patient OPA.
Peter was known especially for his kind, calm, quiet demeanor, and soft and gentle nature. Not a fighter, rather a peacemaker. Although it should be mentioned, that on occasion in his younger years, he may have been known to engage in some "shenanigans" with the help of his younger brothers and wild friends. We've all heard the stories.
He will be lovingly remembered for his unwavering faith, strong family values, and creative spirit that was shown through a variety of his artistic accomplishments and projects, which many of us were blessed to receive from Peter personally.
Those who wish to pay their respects are invited to attend a viewing at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, September 27, 2026 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. Memories will be shared at 3:30 P.M.
A private burial service will be held at the Vauxhall Cemetery prior to the funeral service on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The service celebrating Peter's life will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Peter’s name may be made directly to Food Banks Canada, Suite 501, 77 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5B 1M5 www.foodbankscanada.ca or to The Southern Alberta Art Gallery, 601 - 3 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0H4 www.saag.ca.
The Kallen and Walker families would like to convey special thanks to Peter's friends Gary, Jim, Craig and brother Carl, who helped get him to the hospital, while he was hoping to attend the Vauxhall High School reunion activities. Also, thanks to his friend Gerald and so many others, for the many visits with Peter in the hospital. Heartfelt appreciation as well to all the medical and nursing staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Chinook Regional Hospital for their amazing care and the affection conveyed to Peter and his family.