One of America’s best newscasters, Floyd Kalber was also at home flipping pancakes at the Western Springs Methodist Church.

Floyd Kalber … 1924-2004

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Floyd Kalber served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II. After being discharged, he was hired as an announcer with a Kearney, Nebraska radio station. However, in 1948 he moved back to Omaha where he became the news director for the local NBC television station. After 9 years, he got the attention of NBC executives. They hired him to be a news anchor at Chicago’s Channel 5 for the then-substantial salary of $25,000 a year.

So, in 1960, Kalber and his wife, Betty, purchased a split-level home at 5213 Howard Avenue in Western Springs. And, according to a 1961 newspaper article, Kalber doted on his wife, two children, and Skippy, a black cocker spaniel. As a member of the Western Springs Methodist Church, Kalber became well known for flipping pancakes at the church’s annual fundraiser.

In 1967, the Kalbers moved to a larger home in Hinsdale. But, they continued to worship at the Western Springs Methodist Church. In fact, Kalber made quite a few after-hours presentations to local church groups, women’s clubs, parent-teacher organizations, and newcomer clubs, rarely charging more than $100 or $150. And, the proceeds were always given to his Western Springs church’s benevolent fund.

After 16 years at NBC Chicago, Kalber moved to New York, where he became the news anchor for the TODAY show. But, in 1981, he decided to leave the show (and its early morning hours) and retire to Connecticut. But, in 1984, WLS-TV (Channel 7) asked him to come back to Chicago to help boost their sagging ratings. He agreed, but signed on for only two years and only for the evening 10 p.m. newscast. Within a year, Channel 7 held first place in the ratings.

Kalber enjoyed his new role and ended up staying at Channel 7 until 1998. During his career, he had received five Emmy awards and was widely considered “one of the best.” But, at the age of 73, he decided to retire for the second time. According to some, this was hastened by emphysema. But, despite his health problems, Kalber continued to pursue many of his favorite pastimes, including fly fishing, golfing, and spoiling his grandchildren. Unfortunately, in 2004, he succumbed to the illness, passing away at the age of 79.

One of his favorite activities was “Santa’s Secret Shop,” which supported the Community Nurse Health Association. It was founded by Kalber’s wife, Betty, and daughter Kathy Kinsella, some 25 years ago, and focused on granting wishes for less advantaged children. That first year, when Kathy thought they could only handle 60 of the wishes, her dad said, “We’ll do all 360.” And they did.