Traumatic Unexpected Loss of CJ Kalinowski

On Monday, May 1st, following a doctor’s appointment at Sanford in Bismarck, CJ Kalinowski was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street at 7th and Broadway. He suffered severe head trauma and 13 fractured ribs, as well as several broken bones in his face, arm, leg, and pelvis. Incredible efforts were made by the Sanford team, however the injuries CJ sustained were severe and after being placed on life support, CJ passed away on May 2nd, surrounded by loved ones.

CJ was a servant at heart. After high school, he enlisted in the military and later received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and served several communities in law enforcement until his retirement. Following his retirement, he worked at Miller Pointe Care Center serving the elderly, at Sanford Health in the phlebotomy lab, and most recently for CDS inside of Costco where he served smiles, jokes, and endless samples; for those who knew him, you know this was his perfect fit!

This account has been set up to help with the costs associated with the traumatic and unexpected loss of CJ. Today, we ask you to take a moment in honor of those you love, and speak to the power that guides your soul to keep giving strength to all the families involved as they navigate this challenging road ahead.

CJ’s family includes his wife Robin, his children Ryan (Daphnie) Kalinowski, Chris (Whitney) Hager, Bre (Josh) Boehm, Kaitlyn (Tyler) Leingang, 7 grandchildren Marlie, Emmet, Hailey, Angela, Makayla, Alexis, and Holden, and his brother Paul Kalinowski.