Kolbach, Donald J.
by poolefh | June 28, 2022 10:19 am
Donald J. Kolbach, age 89, of Port Washington, Wisconsin passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Aurora Health Center in Grafton, Wisconsin.
Born September 21, 1932 on the family farm in the town of Port Washington, Don was the son of George and Rose Jacque Kolbach. As a young man, Don would live with his older sister in Butler, WI where he took a job at The Milwaukee Road railroad. Don served his country as a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.
Upon his return from service, Don worked on the family farm and at Simplicity Manufacturing in Port Washington.
On July 30, 1955, Don married Margaret “Midge” Pejka of Milwaukee at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in St. Francis, WI. Together they established their home in Port Washington to raise a family.
In the early years, Don went to night school, taking a job with the former Brophy and Miller Electric in Port Washington. He remained with Miller Electric until his retirement in 1994.
Don led a life of family and service to faith and community. He enjoyed helping others. A longtime member and volunteer with St. Peter of Alcantara parish, was in the choir for many years, and its Men’s Club, Don shared his knowledge often. He spent many years as the electrical technician for the Men’s Club Fish Day stand and Fish Day tents and electrical setup throughout the grounds.
He had been a member of the Ozaukee Memorial Post 5373 VFW and its honor guard. Don was a proud participant of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight on October 24, 2015 and his membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 494 Union.
He personally found joy in his grandchildren, tinkering in his garage and family time up north.
Don is survived by his children Jane (Lee) Grantham of Greenfield, Ken (Lori) Kolbach of Port Washington, Peter (Linda) Kolbach of Port Washington, Ann (Neil) Mandel of Minocqua and Kathy (John Oberhofer) Kolbach of Port Washington; ten grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, Cassiopea, Natalie, Stephanie, Daniel, Kevin, Steven, Kaitlyn and David; eight great-grandchildren Kylee, Arthur, Seeley, River, Bernadette, Rose, Xavier and Victor; his sister Joan (the late Edward) Fechter of West Bend; his brother in law Archie ( the late Lucille) Reid of Crandon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Midge on November 20, 2018, his parents, siblings Marie and Norbert Lemanczyk, Florence “Red” and Frank Mrazik, George and Evelyn Kolbach, Henry “Hank” and Doris Kolbach, Esther and Wendell “Bud” Pulvermacher and Dorothy “Dolly” and Ted Glowacki and Rosalie “Sally” and Lawrence Feyereisen and Midge’s sister Phyllis (Gordon) Schneider.
Don’s life will be celebrated with Mass at 6PM, Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at St. John XXIII Parish-St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1802 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI. Reverend Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant. Family will receive relatives and friends from 4-5:45PM Tuesday AT CHURCH prior to Mass. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington in a private burial service.
Memorials to the Port Washington Food Pantry (www.thefoodpantryinc.com) appreciated.
Source URL: https://www.poolefh.com/kolbach-donald-j/