Celebration of Life for Robert "Ski" Kaliszewski

Robert Stanley Kaliszewski, known simply as "Ski" to everyone, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 23, 2021. Ski was the much-loved owner of DJs Auto in Custer, SD, and lived up to the name of his business every day by Doing Jesus' Service. He loved helping locals and travelers alike with all their mechanic needs, and always went the extra mile for everyone. He even called out of state travelers to make sure they made it home after he fixed their cars and got them back on the road.

Ski was born on July 19, 1949 in Illinois and raised in Missouri. He joined the Air Force after graduating from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. He was stationed in Minot ND, Dover, DE, and finally Ellsworth AFB, SD.  In 1979, he left the Air Force and became a full-time mechanic, advancing to manager of Kmart Auto in Rapid City, which led to opening his own shop in Custer.

Ski's first wife, Sandy, went to be with Jesus in September of 1992.  The Lord brought Ski and Iris together and they married in 1994. Ski leaves behind his dedicated, loving wife, Iris, 7 adult children (Tony Hayek of Jupiter, FL; Tammy LaCroix and her husband, Gene Soares of Winchester, VA; Cory Kaliszewski and his wife Tammi of Rapid City, SD; Chris Nelson and her husband Jamie of Black Hawk, SD; Ron Kaliszewski and his wife Lyndi Bartz of Portland, OR; Malina Kinnick Schuster and her husband Tim of Rapid City, SD; and Candi Kinnick Lynn and her husband Jim of Edgemont, SD), 24 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Ski's celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 10am at the Custer Armory, 527 Montgomery Street in Custer, SD. A private burial service with full military honors will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to:

Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home
234 North Custer Street
Custer, SD  57730
605-673-4422
www.chamberlainmccolleys.com

Donations received will be disbursed to Ski's designated charities.