Sandra L. Kalina

Sandra Lynne Kalina, age 74, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Allure of Mt. Carroll.

Born on April 4, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona, Sandra was the daughter of Merlin and Juanita (Brake) Wilson. It was from her father that she first learned to drive in a 1966 Chevy truck, a beloved blue truck that she treasured throughout her life. Sandra graduated from Cortez High School with the Class of 1969.

While attending Business School in Arizona, she met the love of her life, Bob Kalina. The two were united in marriage on October 2, 1971. Following Bob’s time in the service, the couple lived briefly in his hometown in Iowa before putting down permanent roots in the Mt. Carroll area. Over the years, Sandra was a hardworking member of the community, holding positions at several local businesses while raising her four children.

Sandra possessed a strong, and sometimes stubborn, personality. She was a tough mom who could have a rough exterior, but those who knew her best knew she had a heart of absolute gold. You never had to wonder what she was thinking, because she was never afraid to tell you.

She was a fiercely dedicated mother who drove to every single sporting and church event for her children. Her kids always knew exactly where she was sitting in the stands; if they made a mistake on the field, they would quickly hear her shouting their first and middle names for all to hear. A talented seamstress, Sandra was known for making delightfully "interesting" outfits for her kids, and later, beautiful baby blankets for her grandchildren. She loved her family, and shared an incredibly special bond with her grandkids, who, in her eyes, could do absolutely no wrong.

A truly good person who always stepped up for family, Sandra tenderly cared for her own parents as their health declined. In her free time, she loved to read and watch old Westerns, though her all-time favorite movie was Gone with the Wind.

Sandra will be dearly missed by her husband of 54 years, Robert Kalina of Mt. Carroll; her children, Tearra Gallentine of Milledgeville, Robert Jr (Stacy) Kalina of Argyle, WI, Jim Kalina of Dixon, and Katie (Shawn) Kalina of Forreston; her cherished grandchildren, Morgan, Hunter, Jeremy, Justin, Jason, Emelia, Will, Julie, Leah, Nick, Tyler, and Landon; and her great-grandchildren, Parker Jo, Asher, Benny, Rory, and Fynn. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sharon Owen and her husband Terry; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Kalina.

A private graveside committal service will be held at a later date.