Obit: Kolbo, Gene L. (1947 – 2017)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kolbo, Larson, Plummer, Fay, Zien, Thompson, Lemmar, Prekezes, Plummer, Post

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) – 09 Aug 2017

Kolbo, Gene L. (23 FEB 1947 – 31 JUL 2017)

Gene L. Kolbo, 70, Greenwood (Clark Co., WI), passed away on Monday, July 31, 2017, at Marshfield Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Parkway Pines Supper Club, N10005 State Hwy. 73, Greenwood. Military rites will be conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238.

Gene Lehman Kolbo was born on Feb. 23, 1947, in Sparta, to Palmer and Elizabeth "Betty" (nee Larson) Kolbo. He was raised and received his education in Sparta, graduating from Sparta High School in 1966. Gene was drafted into the U.S. Army on Sept. 15, 1966. He fought in Vietnam where he was a decorated veteran, receiving two Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 13, 1968. He returned to Greenwood and worked at Trierweiler Construction and Berg Equipment in Marshfield. He married Karey Dee (Plummer) Fay on Aug. 14, 1983, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Gene began farming his mother's family farm northeast of Greenwood, which he farmed until 2015. Gene was a member of the Greenwood American Legion. He was very patriotic to this country, and a highlight of Gene's life was when he, former Governor Tommy Thompson, former Senator Dave Zien, and one other comrade, delivered a granite monument to Washington, D.C. to honor their fallen state comrades. He had many interests, but especially enjoyed riding his Harley, collecting guns, big trucks, and his dogs.

Gene is survived by one sister: Marganne Lemmar of West Allis; one brother: Jesse (Katrina) Kolbo of Weyauwega; four step-children: Laura Fay, Lily (John) Prekezes, Floyd (Mary) Fay, and Byron Fay, all of Chicago; 12 step-grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; his dear friend and companion: Shirley Goode, and his "little Amish Boy,” Wyatt, of Willard; one brother-in-law: Boyd (Sandee) Plummer of Owen; one sister-in-law: Sandy (Ronald) Post of Marshfield; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karey, on May 21, 2014; one step-son: Jimmie Fay; one step-grandson: Gabriel Prekezes; and two brothers-in-law: Harry Lemmar and Charles Plummer.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.