Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

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Karlie Ann Everett (nee Lamke) died on December 8, 2025, as she wished, at home in Annapolis overlooking her beloved Back Creek. Karlie was born on January 10, 1946, in New Jersey. She met her husband, Gerald, on a blind date, and they married in 1967. Together they raised their daughters Kathleen (+ Rick) and Michele (+ Loren). Karlie took care of her family while working full-time as a schoolteacher and later, an elementary school principal, and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in education. She was employed by Anne Arundel County Public Schools for more than 30 years. After retirement, Karlie poured the love and devotion she previously shared with a school full of children into the lights of her life, her three grandchildren, Beck, Annie & Emily. Karlie was a dedicated docent at the Annearrundell County Free School and requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the museum's steward, the Anne Arundel Retired School Personnel Association (AARSPA, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401, www.aarspa.org). In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a full circle of extended family and friends, Karlie is survived by her brother Ken and sister Teresa. The family is planning a "Party for Karlie" on Memorial Day weekend, with steamed crabs, good food, great wine (she left us a list!), and the music she loved to dance to.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bobby's life on Tuesday, December 16, from 4 pm until 5 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037

Interment with military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. We will update this page once we have confirmation of the burial date.

A complete obituary will be available soon. You can leave a message for his family by using the memories tab on this page.

Allen Joel Sacks, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, adventurer, pilot, biker, community volunteer and hero, passed away at the age of 91. 

Born in March 1934, in Chattanooga, TN, to Rose and Samuel Sacks, Allen spent his formative years in Arlington, VA, with his parents and younger sister Bernice. Active in sports and student government in junior high and high school, Allen graduated from Washington-Lee High School and later attended the University of Virginia. It was during his freshman year at UVA that Allen, a member of ROTC, noticed a fire at the ROTC Academic Building and rushed in to help, salvaging military supplies worth over $45,000 (equivalent of over $500,000 today). Shortly after, Allen was recognized for his heroics with a letter of commendation at a military parade review in his honor. 

Allen's love of aviation and motorcycles was honed when he joined the United States Air Force. He enlisted for service and trained at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas in 1952, as a member of Squadron 3705, Flight 1263. After being stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany, Allen worked with NSA breaking code. When not working, Allen enjoyed riding his newly acquired motorcycle. 

After an honorable discharge from service, Allen arrived home in Virginia and began working at his parents' men's wear store. He soon met the love of his life, Thelma Gellman, at a dance, after being introduced by a mutual friend. They married in 1957, raising three children in Bowie, MD, where they were the proud, original owners of a Levitt & Sons rancher. It was in Bowie that Allen furthered his passion for airplanes, working weekends at Freeway Airport and ultimately obtaining his private and commercial pilot's licenses and flying his cherished Ercoupe two-seater airplane. In his spare time, Allen could be seen riding his motorcycle, often with one of his children sitting behind him. Allen's other activities over the years included skydiving, bowling, and boating. 

Allen began working full-time for C&P Telephone Company, first as a lineman and ultimately working his way up to Consulting Engineer. He joined the Bowie Fire Department as a volunteer fireman and also joined several civic and aeronautic organizations, including the Lions Club and Civil Air Patrol. He rescued and assisted many people over the course of his lifetime, including saving a young man from a Bowie house fire and another man from a small airplane after a crash landing, being first at the scene of both incidents. He always seemed to be at the right place at the right time and he never hesitated to bravely rush in when needed. 

After retiring from C&P, Allen and Thelma moved to the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis, MD. Allen enjoyed owning and operating an antiques store on Maryland Avenue (Allen's Alley) and also joined the Annapolis Police Department as an auxiliary officer. His favorite police duty was portraying McGruff the Crime Dog for several years. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity helping to build houses and collected eyeglasses for the Lions Club. Additionally, he organized turning an unused parcel of land behind the Eastport Post Office into a viable park for the community. The City of Annapolis offered to name the park after him but he asked that it be named just "Post Office Park," and had a bench dedicated to his late mother set among the flowers he planted there. 

Allen and Thelma especially enjoyed traveling, often accompanied by one or more of their grandchildren. Favorite travel locations included Greece, Alaska, Israel, Bermuda, and cruising all over the world. Allen also volunteered at the Colonial Players Theater in Annapolis and worked part-time as a bus driver for the City of Bowie Senior Center. 

Leaving cold weather behind, Allen and Thelma moved to Sarasota, FL, where Allen continued his volunteer career, working at Doctors Hospital and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and as a bus driver for a local senior housing complex. Always a motorcycle enthusiast, Allen joined the Sarasota Harley Davidson Motorcycle club (HOGS), riding his Harley in their annual Teddy Bear Run for Children's Hospital and volunteering every weekend to raise money during their weekly hotdog events. Additionally, he also volunteered as a reading tutor for local elementary schools and was on the Board of Directors of his community Home Owner's Association. Allen was also a proud volunteer at the Sarasota National Cemetery, where he assisted families of Veterans during funeral services. 

In 2019, Thelma became ill, prompting a 2020 move back to Maryland to be closer to family. Allen moved to Ginger Cove in Annapolis two years after the death of his beloved wife. At Ginger Cove, Allen joined in activities such as acting and singing on stage for the first time in a Ginger Cove production. He also enjoyed dancing and working out in the gym. Additionally, he volunteered at the site's convenience store and helped out at Ginger Cove's rehab center. 
Through his storied life, Allen, first and foremost, loved his family. He leaves behind his children Deborah (David) Cook, Michael (Susie) Sacks, Karen (Stephen) Gindes; grandchildren Corinne (Allen) Bingham, Sarah (Jon) Bergkamp, Allison (Jason) Roland, Holly Gindes, Robert (Anna) Gindes, Kelsey Sacks, Amy Sacks; six great- grandchildren; and his dear friend Carolyn Osgood. He was predeceased by his wife Thelma and sister Bernice. 

Allen never met a stranger and loved talking with everyone he came in contact with. He always gave 100% and was a friend to all. He tried to be the best at everything he did...and he was. 

A celebration of life funeral service for Allen will be held on Wednesday, December 10 at 10 AM at Ginger Cove Friendship Hall, 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.  Burial will be at 3 PM on Wednesday, December 10 at King David Memorial Gardens, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA 22042.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Chesapeake, www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving or to the charity of your choice. 


Michael Wilmer Smith, 73, a chemist and resident of Millersville, MD for almost 40 years died at his home surrounded by his family on December 4, 2025 after a short bout with cancer. Michael was born on July 8, 1952 in Richmond, VA. Growing up, he lived in the Netherlands from ages 5 to 8, and returned to live in Edgewater. He was an Eagle Scout and liked to sail and fish as a young boy. He graduated from Washington College in Chestertown, MD with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He later studied at Loyola College in Baltimore pursuing his master’s degree. He spent most of his 40-year career working at various pharmaceutical companies in the Baltimore area. He managed teams to formulate, analyze, and test a variety of drugs for usage in combatting many illnesses. His last full-time position was with PII (Ascendia Pharmaceuticals) in Hunt Valley. He later worked part-time as a consultant for product development in Ohio before retiring in 2010. Michael enjoyed collecting coins, taking care of his dog, learning about history, and was fascinated by outer space and UFOs. He enjoyed vacationing in Florida, Mexico, and most recently in Idaho, where two of his three grandchildren live. He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Ann James, who died in 2021. He is survived by his daughter, Caitlyn Harmon (Jacob) of Pocatello, ID; his step-son, Ryan James of Glen Burnie, MD; his sister, Nancy Smith of Towson, MD, and three grandchildren, Kylee James, Hailey Harmon, and Benjamin Harmon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maryland SCPA or Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael's life on Friday, December 12 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 1911 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Relatives and friends are invited to Ocie's Life Celebration on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 2 to 4 pm. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 



Joan Maureen Vetter, of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, just days after celebrating her 95th birthday with all her children. Joan was born on November 17, 1930 in Jersey City, NJ, the daughter of the late Anna and George Nolan. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, William “Bill” Frank Vetter and her stepfather Henry Coyne. 

Joan is survived by her sister, Ann Reid of Stony Brook, NY, her brother Donald Coyne of Amston Lake, CT, and her five children Gerard (Kathleen) Vetter of Annapolis, MD; Thomas (Lynn) Vetter of Montgomery Village, MD; Janice (Bob Curran) Vetter of Baltimore, MD; Eileen (Nathan) Brandon of Salt Lake City, UT; and Paul (Janet) Vetter of Derwood, MD, her seven grandchildren, Drew (Tina Billiet) Vetter of Baltimore, MD; Suzanne (Andrew) Burnett of Annapolis, MD; Peggy (Jason) Dall’Acqua of Annapolis, MD; Hutton (Zoe) Brandon of Salt Lake City, UT; Nolan (Susan Fender) Brandon of Oak Harbor, WA; Lelia Vetter of Silver Spring, MD; Michael (Elizabeth) Vetter of Timomium, MD, and eight great grandchildren.

Despite losing her beloved father when she was age 7, Joan had a “wonderful childhood,” wrapped in the love of her maternal grandparents and cared for also by her mother’s two devoted sisters and their dear husbands. Joan recalls her grandmother spoiling her by allowing her to eat liverwurst sandwiches for breakfast.

Joan loved sharing family stories and memories, aptly describing herself as someone who always liked to talk and perform and stay busy. In her words, “I was never a quiet child.” Throughout her life, Joan was a faithful Catholic and credited the late Sister Eileen Marie and Sister Dolores Marie for their significant contributions to her academic and life achievements.

Joan graduated as valedictorian from Holy Rosary Academy in NJ in 1948, having earned a scholarship to attend there, and commuting to school via two different buses.

Joan was known for being a whirlwind of energy, with her strong work ethic evident even as a teenager when she helped sell newspapers at her Aunt Rose’s news stand at the NJ-NY ferry landing and also sold calendars for a funeral home. After gaining experience as a secretary at an investment firm during high school summer and holiday breaks, and attending secretarial school at night, Joan worked at Harris, Upham and Company on Wall Street, taking shorthand and typing correspondence for several brokers. While working full-time, Joan attended Hunter College.

Joan married Bill Vetter on June 30, 1951 at St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic church in NY. Joan remembers their first date being at Sunken Meadow State Park in NY, accompanied by Joan’s sister, Ann, and Bill’s sister, Marian, who had conspired together to introduce the “St. Albans Girl” to the “Harvard Man” (as a 1951 Long Island Daily Press headline described the couple).

Joan and Bill lived on Long Island, NY and had five children before relocating in 1966 to Gaithersburg, MD where they lived for 25 years. They were active members of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, where Joan sang in the choir for many years.

Joan worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for 19 years, beginning as an inaugural career information technician at Poolesville High School in Poolesville, MD for four years and then directing the Career Information Center at Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, MD for 15 years. Joan took pride in helping students make the right college choice and hoped she made a difference in those students’ lives.

After retiring, Joan and Bill lived in the Lake of the Woods community near Fredericksburg, VA for 15 years, and then settled at Lansdowne Woods in Lansdowne, VA for more than a decade. Joan moved to Annapolis, MD in 2021 to be near family.

Joan loved her large family, and most wanted to be remembered as a good mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She wanted her family to know how much she loved them and hoped she was a positive example to them.

The family would like to thank Joan’s caregivers at Sunrise Bay Village and Hospice of Chesapeake.

Friends are invited to celebrate Joan's life on Saturday, January 10 from 1 PM until the start of her service at 2:30 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD 21037. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Joan Vetter's memory to Catholic Charities of Baltimore at cc-md.org or 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or made to the charity of your choice.

Services for Bette will be private at this time. Please take a moment to leave a condolence or message for the family by using the memories tab on this page.

Marjorie “Margie” Lorraine Willett, 84, of Edgewater, Maryland, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025.

Born on September 16, 1941, in Washington, D.C., Margie was the daughter of the late James and Frances Nichols. She grew up in the Michigan Park Hills neighborhood in Hyattsville, where she developed life-long relationships with friends as close as family members. She was a proud graduate of Northwestern High School and began her career in public service shortly thereafter. Margie spent many dedicated years working for the Federal Government, often telling the numerous “carpool stories.” After retiring, she became a full-time homemaker—a role she embraced wholeheartedly.

In 1966, Margie married the love of her life, John “Sonny” Willett, and together they made Edgewater their home for the next 60 years. Their marriage was a true partnership filled with devotion, humor, and family. Sonny often joked to friends that Margie “made him Sunday dinner every night,” a testament to the care and love she poured into their home. Throughout their marriage, Margie and Sonny shared their lives with a succession of beloved Beagles—Petunia, Marigold, and Lily.

Margie’s later years were defined by her quiet strength and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. She and Sonny spent many years caring for Sonny’s mother, Maybelle .and Margie’s mother Frances. After Maybelle’s passing in 2013 and Sonny’s in 2015, Margie often spoke of how blessed she felt that Theresa and her husband, Tom, rebuilt Maybelle’s home which was next door. Theresa watched over Margie daily, providing comfort, companionship, and constant support.

Life brought challenges—most notably a house fire in 2018 that temporarily displaced her, and later the illness that ultimately took her—but Margie faced each hardship with resilience. During those years, Theresa lovingly cared for her, remaining faithfully by her side, including at the moment Margie took her final breath.

Margie is predeceased by her beloved husband John “Sonny” Willett. She is survived by her loving daughter Theresa Locke, and Theresa’s husband Tom, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Margie will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, aunt, cousin, neighbor, loyal friend, and, of course, on-line shopper.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to a charity of your choice in Margie’s memory.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Margie's life on Tuesday, December 9 from 5 to 8 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD 21037, where her service will be held on Wednesday, December 10 at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens.

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Prokopchak, 78, of Harwood, MD, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday December 2, 2025. Born on August 4, 1947, in the coal-mining town of Windber, PA to the late Steve G. Beretsel (Berczel) and Mary Rakoczy Beretsel, Mary Lou was a proud coal miner’s daughter and carried that strength and resilience throughout her life. On October 26, 1968, Mary Lou married the love of her life, Michael Edward Prokopchak, in her hometown at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. As they stepped out of the church that day, snow flurries drifted around them - a memory they cherished for the rest of their lives. They honeymooned in Cape Cod before settling in Greenbelt, MD and later made Harwood their permanent home in 1977. After graduating from Windber High School in 1965, Mary Lou moved to Maryland and began a 15-year career with the U.S. Secret Service in Washington, D.C. She supported the Vice President’s security detail and later assisted in training new agents and White House guards at the USSS Training Center in Beltsville, MD. After her youngest son was born, she continued her professional life in part-time roles with Tilden Lawn Nursery and Marine Survey and Design Co. in Davidsonville, and later with the American Boat and Yacht Council in Annapolis. Mary Lou and Mike shared a lifelong love of boating. Beginning with their first 18-foot Deep-V in 1970, they trailered their boat and their boys all over the Chesapeake Bay and to the rivers and lakes of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. Their final vessel, a 46-foot Sedan Bridge, was kept at Selby Bay Yacht Club on the South River until they ended their boating adventures in 2018.A gifted gardener, Mary Lou found joy in planting flowers, trees, and shrubs, creating and nurturing the beautiful outdoor spaces that surrounded her home. She was always generous with her knowledge, offering advice and assistance to friends and neighbors on all things horticultural. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Steve E. Beretsel and her in-laws, Major Michael John (USAF, Ret.) and Edna Marie Prokopchak. Mary Lou is survived by her devoted husband, Mike; her three loving sons, Michael Christopher, Matthew Stephen, and Mark Francis (Theresa) Prokopchak who all live in the Annapolis area. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Christopher, Lily, and Garrett and her deceased brother’s wife, Pearl and their children, Christine, Nicole, Stephen, Michael and Patrick and their three grandchildren. Mary Lou was always there for her children, cheering them on and supporting them in all their sports and activities growing up. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary Lou's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, December 9 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 am. Mary Lou will be cremated, and her ashes will be placed in her husband Mike’s casket upon his passing, so they may rest together for eternity. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, youth religious programs or to a charity of one’s choice in Mary Lou’s name. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page. 

William J. “Skip” Reilly, III, 82, a resident of Dunkirk, MD and previously of Pawley’s Island, SC, died of natural causes on Tuesday, December 2 in Gambrills, MD. Born on July 21, 1943 in Washington, DC to the late Mary Bellina Reilly and William J. Reilly, Jr., Skip was a graduate of Bladensburg High School. He worked at the Washington Star and Washington Post newspapers in various capacities for many years. Skip was a parishioner at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church and was an avid Washington Redskins fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Ann Redd Reilly. Skip is survived by his daughters, Gina M. (Lee) Ritter of Sunderland, MD and Angela M. (Kevin) Mattero of Deale, MD; his grandchildren, Dominic J. Mattero of Deale, MD, Brittany (Manny) Stoltzfus of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Amanda (Chris) Thompson of St. Leonard, MD and Alyssa (Tyler) Welch of West River, MD and his great-grandchildren, Arya, Adelynn, Payton, Chase and Otto. Friends are invited to celebrate Skip’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday, December 8 from 3 to 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1601 W. Mount Harmony Rd., Owings, MD on Tuesday, December 9 at 11 am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD.

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