Some people are really good at not talking about themselves. They naturally switch the focus onto the other person.

The Rev. Howard E. Kalb, S.J., is one of those people. Yet with 85 years under his belt, Kalb has many interesting stories to tell. It just takes a little work to get them out.

Kalb became a Jesuit right out of high school.

“I had a desire for a couple years to do it,” Kalb said. When time came to make a decision, “I figured it was something I’d like to do. I don’t think I really knew what a vocation was,” he added, laughing.

“I didn’t realize at the time that it was God’s call — but I think that’s the way God calls us, in showing us something that is appealing.

“I’m not sure exactly how I got in,” Kalb said. “In those days, it wasn’t very difficult. You’d just say ‘I’d like to go.'”

Thirty-five other young men entered the order alongside Kalb. They lived in dorm-styled rooms on a campus in Missouri.

“When it came time for basketball or dodgeball, you always had a group around you. It was pretty much like joining the Marines. Guess it was a little different than it is today.”

Eventually, a mentor suggested Kalb use his passion to teach high school math, and that’s when he began working with students.

“I always loved kids, loved teaching,” he said. “Students just always have a new angle on something. It’s fun to joke with them.”

Kalb came to Creighton in 1990 and served for five years as the pastor at St. John’s Parish.

After working for some time at the retreat center in Griswold, Iowa, Kalb returned to Omaha to be the minister of the Jesuit community.

Today, Kalb describes his life as pretty simple.

“There isn’t much to write about,” he said, laughing. “I like to read. I like to do some exercises. I use the equipment up in the fifth floor here at the Admin to work out, stay in shape.

“That keeps me out of trouble.”

Other hobbies include teasing students and playing cards.

“Howie is a favorite with the students who work in the Jesuit kitchen and dining room,” said the Rev. Roc O’Connor, S.J. “He’s always giving them a bad time and having great fun with them in his gruff and kind ways.”

Playing cards is a true passion.

“I play frequently,” he said. “But not for money.”

“His weakness is that he hates to lose,” O’Connor said. “He casts himself as ‘the one to beat,’ so the other guys have a great time whooping him. The stories the next day are worth the price of admission.”

The Rev. Phillip Amidon, S.J., said Kalb is especially known for his approachability and concern for others.

“He is also outgoing and likes pastoral work,” Amidon said.

Kalb’s lively personality and energy are tempered with a fond awareness of his own age. “I’ve had a great life,” Kalb said. “I’ve enjoyed every job I had. But my job now keeps me very aware of my mortality. You don’t have any awareness of that yet, but give it another 60 years,” he said with a laugh.

“I’m an old, old man,” he said. “I’m four times as old as [most Creighton students]. Do you realize that?

“I’m 85, but I still have lots of fun.”