Sam Kalainov

Sam Kalainov passed away on June 4, 2017, at age 87. He was born at his parents’ farm near Steele, North Dakota, on May 11, 1930. His parents, George and Celia Kalainov were Russian emigrants. He attended a rural school for eight years and graduated from Steele High School in 1947. Immediately after high school, Sam enlisted in the Army for two years and attained the rank of Sergeant. He enrolled at North Dakota State University and was commissioned an Infantry Second Lieutenant through the Advanced Army R.O.T.C. Program. Called to active duty during the Korean War, he served as an Infantry Company Commander and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Unit Citation. After the war, he returned to college to complete his degree in Economics. Following graduation from college, Sam began his career as a life insurance agent in Fargo, North Dakota.

Sam married Lori Holm on August 10, 1957 in Fargo, North Dakota. Lori was an English teacher and librarian in Fargo and then in Des Moines, Iowa, where they moved in 1960. Their union produced two sons, John and David, both born in Des Moines, Iowa. John graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and is a retired Army officer. David graduated from Stanford University and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and is an orthopedic hand surgeon.

Sam quickly progressed from being an insurance agent to an insurance executive at American Mutual Life Insurance Company with a brief stint at Western States Life Insurance Company. Following 20 years as a marketing officer, he became Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of American Mutual. In 1994 Sam helped to merge American Mutual with Central Life Assurance Company forming AmerUs Life. Sam then served as Chairman of AmerUs until he retired in 2000.

Sam was active in numerous organizations at the city, state and national levels. He served as director of the Selective Service System for the state of Iowa for two years. He was a member of the Des Moines Airport Board for 25 years. He was appointed as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army achieving emeritus status and received the Patrick Henry Award. He was a board member of Drake University, North Dakota State University, Lutheran Hospital and Homes, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, the Des Moines Symphony and the Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. At various times Sam served as chairman of the Des Moines Rotary Club, the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Des Moines Committee, the Des Moines Development Corporation, and the United Way Drive. The Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts of America named him as an outstanding citizen of Iowa. Sam was a licensed private pilot for over 50 years who avidly shared his love of aviation with his children and grandchildren during their annual trek to AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Sam is survived by his wife Lori of 60 years; his son John, daughter-in-law Kyong Hui and granddaughter Samantha of Bel Air, Maryland; his son David, daughter-in-law Julie, granddaughters Sydney and Hailey, and grandson Lucas of Kenilworth, Illinois; his sister Doris of Mesa, Arizona; and his brother George of Steele, North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, an older brother, and two nephews.

Services will be held in Des Moines at Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue, on June 10, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, IA.

Memorials may be directed to the Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts, the Des Moines Symphony, Saint John’s Lutheran Church or to Hospice of Central Iowa. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print