Dumbo S. Kadaluka
May 22, 1964 – August 16, 2025
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 a.m. Dumbo will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 61 of Kalamazoo passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025. Dumbo was born in Dowa, Malawi, Africa, on May 22, 1964, the son of George and Margaret (Kasamale) Kadaluka.
He was a graduate of Chancellor College of Malawi, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Dumbo proudly served Malawi in their armed forces. He was trained in the Officer Cadet School from the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in the United Kingdom in 1987. Following his military training he returned to Malawi where he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Malawi Army. In 1991, he was promoted to Full Lieutenant. He also received several other military certificates from Combat Engineering College in the Republic of China, and Danie Theron Combat School in South Africa. He was battle tested in Mozambique as a platoon commander. He was second in command in their camp and he was Commander of Mine Clearing Operations.
While in the military, he became interested in boxing. He loved other sports as well including sprinting, high jump, volleyball and soccer, and many other track and field sports. His primary responsibility was as a father, but he enjoyed gardening and agriculture, hunting, mechanics, reading and puzzles. He also had a love for music, no matter the genre. He loved anything that challenged his mind and intellect.
Later, following his military service, he joined his father’s business, Chikambe Enterprises. In 1997, Dumbo immigrated to the United States. Here he attended Davenport College. He worked for Windsor Estates, Goodwill Industries, Wal-Mart, and later became a trucker for Pacific, LL. As a fan of travel, he also enjoyed working for Paragon, doing biker shows.
Dumbo is survived by his wife, Annie; his children, Mona Lisa Kadaluka, and Dumbo Kadaluka Jr. both in Malawi and from a previous marriage; Mayamiko Kadaluka, Mtisunge Kadaluka, both of Kalamazoo; four grandchildren; siblings, Tangupenya (Crispin) Mzengeza, Tomaida (Raymond) Lockley, Kwacha Kadaluka; nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Dumbo was preceded in death by his parents; and several siblings.
In Loving Memory of Dumbo I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dumbo, a cherished friend and classmate whose warmth and spirit touched many lives. Dumbo was a fantastic companion from our early years at Mbidzi L.E.A. Primary School in Lilongwe. The news of his passing has stirred a flood of joyful memories that speak to the kind of person he was—generous, spirited, and unforgettable. On the football field, Dumbo was fearless in goal, a talented player who kept our team in countless games with his determination and skill. Off the field, he shared his love of stories, introducing me to The Adventures of Tintin and inspiring us both to read every Tintin and Asterix book we could find on the national library shelf. Those adventures will forever be linked to his kindness, curiosity, and friendship. Dumbo had one of the kindest hearts, and his light made the world a better place. His absence leaves a quiet ache, but his memory will continue to shine brightly in all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
To my Dearest husband, Dumbo It\’s hard to believe you\’re no longer here. Words cannot express how this makes me feel. You\’re gone to another side, though I wish you could still be here with me. You were a remarkable man, dependable, loving, kind, strength and humility, which touched not just our family but all who knew you. Your contagious smile and goofy sense of humor could brighten any room and make even the worst days seem a lot brighter. You made me laugh and you made me smile. I am beyond grateful that you were my companion through our incredible journey and won\’t forget the love you showed me and all the kids. All though you may be gone from this world, your legacy lives on through the people you touched. I\’ll carry your memory with me, and it brings me comfort to know that so much of you is alive in friends and family
Dumbo,the ever smiling man.We thank God for giving us the opportunity on this earth to meet and know you. My little girl always would say,I want to go to see muti,uncle Dumbo will pick me up.Now she’s grown through your eyes and counsel. You took care of my daughter you and Annie while I was in the hospital and when I needed a babysitter. Our friendship became family,my dear Annie so sweet,calm and loving we connected from working together till now. Your departure has left us in so much pain but we are hopeful and believe in the resurrection. Rest in peace Dumbo,you will be missed. To Annie,Miko and Muti,please accept my condolences and know that we are here for you when you want to talk,cry,laugh and live through this life.We love you fam.May God continue to watch over you.