William Allen Kalsbeck

William Allen Kalsbeck passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025 following a long battle with cancer. Bill was born in Indianapolis on August 5, 1963 and attended Park Tudor, where he was a proud member of the football and wrestling teams. Growing up in the Trader’s Point area and with roots in Speedway, he developed an early love for auto sports, fishing, and golf.

Bill completed his undergraduate studies in chemistry at Northwestern University. He received his PhD in inorganic chemistry from North Carolina State University and continued his post-doctoral studies at the University of California, Riverside.

Professionally, Bill was known as a brilliant scientist, prolific engineer and marvelous mentor, spending more than 28 years at the highly influential Fortune 500 tech company, KLA. He was instrumental in the development of nanotechnology for the purpose of finding defects in semiconductors. His work has improved every computer chip used today, from cell phones and watches, to automobiles and pet-tracking microchips.

Upon moving to California, Bill became a wine enthusiast, routinely spending time at vineyards and learning about the process of making, storing, and documenting wines; his tasting notes date back nearly two decades. Sharing his father’s passion for sports cars, mid-century design, and contemporary art, Bill found endless joy in the simplicity of masterful engineering.

Bill was a generous, humble, and reliable son, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague for those lucky enough to have known him. His passion for life was showcased throughout his nearly decade-long battle with cancer showing others what could be achieved with resilience, faith, and family. His most cherished moments were spent with family sharing a wonderful meal, a bottle of wine, elevated conversation and a loving bond, which will forever be carried on in his memory.

Bill is survived by his sister, Valerie (Dr. John) Pfaff; nephews, Adam (Brittany) Pfaff and Gregory Pfaff; twin grandniece, Avery Pfaff, and twin grandnephew, Grayson Pfaff; aunt, Janice Boden, and uncles, Gerald Bartlett and James Bartlett. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Jacqueline (Bartlett) and John Kalsbeck and his sister, Lisa (Ret. Major General George) Patrick.

Bill’s family expresses their gratitude for Hospice of Michigan and BrightStar Care who helped Bill during his final days.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 10:30am at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, with visitation starting at 10:00am. Private inurnment will be at Washington Park North Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to V Foundation (below) or KLA Foundation at 1200 Woodridge Avenue,
Ann Arbor MI 48105.

LJ Griffin Funeral Home of Canton, MI is assisting with arrangements.