Jeffrey Scott Kalstrom

Jeffrey Scott Kalstrom of Duluth, MN, has passed away on June 4, 2026, of a sudden cardiac arrest while sleeping in his camping boat on Fish Lake. Jeff was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on January 13, 1955, to Jeannine and Roger Kalstrom. He grew up in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, graduating in the class of 1973. He then attended St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, making many friends along the way. He ultimately completed his MFA in sculpture at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in 1989 before moving to Duluth in 1992.

Jeffrey Kalstrom married Ann Klefstad in 1984, and had two beloved daughters, Nell Kalstrom and Maja Mueller. He was also a much loved grandpa to Maja’s son Teddy, whom he would watch every Friday for “Grandpa Day”. Much like both of his parents, Jeff had a a passion for teaching. He taught art at the University of Minnesota-Duluth for many years up until his passing. He was the faculty advisor for the Art Rats, the art department student club, for many years. His knowledge and understanding made him a mentor to many.

He was one of the founders of the annual Iron Pour near Poplar, Wisconsin, as well as a an avid advocate for art and culture through his work at the Nordic Center in Duluth. His artistic output runs the gamut from iron sculpture to multimedia collages, and will be on display at a retrospective within a year. His work is also viewable online at www.jeffreykalstrom.com

His family is holding a memorial celebration of his extraordinary and creative life on Sunday, July 12, starting with a 2 pm social hour with a presentation starting at 3 pm, at Clyde Iron (2920 W Michigan St) in Duluth, MN. All who loved him are welcome. We will share memories, laughter, food, music and art.