Joseph Kalman Adelman

Joseph Kalman Adelman, 83, of New Buffalo, MI passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, MI.   Kal was born in New York City on September 21, 1932 to Abraham and Jean Adelman. He graduated from Bronx High School of Science and New York University with an Engineering Degree. After college he moved to Seattle, Washington and worked at Boeing Aviation where he designed the braking system for the B-52 Bomber. He also worked at Caterpillar where he designed hydraulic systems for heavy equipment. He was chief engineer at Parker Hannifin where he was fondly referred to as ‘Ming the Merciless’. He eventually developed Kalma Engineering where he worked as an expert witness in accident reconstruction. After retiring in 1999 he and wife Paula bought Harbert Market and Garden Center where he utilized his engineering skills designing irrigation systems and landscape projects. Anyone who knew Kal knew he would re-design or re-engineer any piece of equipment he could. Kal loved working with the diverse community of Harbor Country. He loved reading and was a history buff.   Kal was loved and respected by many people and impacted many lives in his 83 years on this earth.  Kal worked until the time of his death and contributed generously to many organizations that he felt passionate about, including Wounded Warriors, VFW,  and Weizmann’s Institute in Israel for research in childhood leukemia and was an active member of the NRA.   Kal is survived by his wife Paula; stepsons-Brian (Karen) Vales, Richard O’Connor, and Adam O’Connor; grandchildren-Lacey (Anthony) Brown, Sydney, Rebecca, Zach, Sebastian, Adamina and Scarlett O’Connor; great grandchild-Laniah Brown; and his miniature schnauzer Buddy; also four children from his first marriage-Susan Leger, David Adelman, John Adelman, and Lara Vlk. Kal was preceded in death by his father and mother, brother Henry, and first wife Jane Adelman.   A Celebration of Life service will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2:00 PM, at Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Association. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com