John M. Kolb

October 10, 1939 – May 6, 2012 Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for John Kolb, age 72, who died Sunday at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Burial will be in the St. Martin Parish Cemetery. A visitation for John will be after 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the St Martin Parish Hall in St. Martin. Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with St. Joseph’s Society and Knights of Columbus. Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Friday morning at the St. Martin Parish Hall. John Kolb was born on October 10, 1939 to Michael and Margaret (Arceneau) Kolb in the old Richmond City Hospital. He attended Paynesville High School and St. Cloud State College until he started farming on the century farm homesteaded by his great grandfather in 1861. He married Theresa Schmit on July 16, 1966 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minden Township. He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society, and Knights of Columbus since 1958. John and Theresa worked together on the family farm. Their children in 4-H showed their cattle at the State Fair and World Dairy Expo. John was president of the Irrigator Association of Minnesota for sometime and on the board of directors until he retired. He was presented the Minnesota State Irrigator of the year award. He also received a plaque and was recognized by Who’s Who Among American Farmers. He served on the Munson Township Planning Board until he retired because of poor health. John belonged to the St. Martin City Band for over 50 years. He played in various small bands, enjoyed playing at large ballroom dances with the Merry Makers band. He belonged to the Musician Union until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Theresa; children, Bernice (Nathan) Gerstner of Greenfield, Michael (Tanya) of Paynesville, Dale (Noreen) of West St. Paul, Alan of Richmond, David (Nicole) of Paynesville, Cheryl (Mark) McKee of St. Paul, Leon (Kimberly) of Richmond, Janell (Curt) Duppong of Dickinson, ND, Leanne (Brian) Anderson of Maple Heights, OH, Melissa (Stephen) Stang of Belgrade, Jason of Richmond; sister, Valeria (Herb) Hoppe of St. Cloud; brother in-law, Richard Nahan of St. Cloud, and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy, Ursula Nahan, and brother, Elmer.

John M. Kolb

October 10, 1939 - May 11, 2012