BOONE, Iowa—Joe Calderon MD, age 88 of Boone, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the Boone County Hospital with his wife by his side.
Jose Francisco Calderon was born on October 4, 1934, the son of Angel and Zoila (Bacarreza) Calderon in La Paz, Bolivia. As a child the only thing Joe ever wanted was to be a doctor. Joe started medical school in Bolivia, where he was for 2 years. Then he did things the right way to get to the U.S., getting a sponsor in Nebraska to attend medical school. While in Nebraska, Joe was drafted into the Army for 2 years, serving as a medic.
Joe returned to Omaha, NE and began on his medical education journey again. While working at St. Joseph Hospital, he met a nursing student named Mary Kay Keller. Joe was united in marriage with Mary Kay on November 21, 1971 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Joe attended medical school in Guadalajara, Mexico for a 6-year program where he finally received his doctorate degree that he had worked tediously for. Joe and Mary Kay moved around for Joe’s career: Canada, Mexico and finally back to Omaha, NE.
Joe enlisted in the Navy in August of 1979. Joe loved being a doctor and being in the military, he asked for extensions to continue his service but finally retired in February of 1999.
Following Joe’s retirement, the Calderon’s moved to Boone, IA. Joe was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boone. He loved watching cooking shows and trying the new recipes (salmon was his specialty), being a handy man around his home and NOT doing yard work. Joe was a talented painter. He also enjoyed watching tennis, soccer or movies (while snacking on sweets) and listening to music. Joe cherished his home country’s music and culture, sharing with numerous people over the years.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rafael Calderon; sister, Teresa Calderon; and his in-laws, Bud and Edna Keller. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Kay; sons, David Calderon and Roberto Calderon, both of California; grandson, David Calderon II; along with brothers and sisters-in-laws and their families.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Boone. Military Honors will be conducted by the Boone County Veterans Council immediately following mass. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Sacred Heart School.
Online condolences may be left at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets is in charge of arrangements.
