Arthur L Kolbo

Arthur LaVerne Kolbo, 89, of Onalaska, Wi, passed peacefully away on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at the Onalaska Care Center, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born in La Crosse Wisconsin to Arthur H. Kolbo and Anna Vivian (Boisvert) Kolbo on September 26, 1923 and baptized May 31, 1924. Arthur led a rich and full life. After attending La Crosse Public Schools he was employed by the Autolite, where he met the love of his life, Darlene. While serving in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Darlene and Art were married in Vallejo, California on December 7, 1944. After returning to the La Crosse area he was employed by First National Bank (Wells Fargo), where he retired after many years of service. During and after retirement he was employed by Brinks Security and the City of La Crosse as a crossing guard at West Avenue and Denton Streets. Of all of his service to our community, he was most proud of working as a Special Deputy of the La Crosse Sherriffs Department, and as a Reserve Officer for the La Crosse Police Department.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Darlene, , daughters Ellen (Jeff) McDonah , Debra (Nick)Nichols, sister Bonnie Bachman, brother Phil (Olga) Kolbo , and grandchildren Nate Melby, Amanda Nogee, Jamie Bauman, Katherine McDonah, Jack Bauman, and Step-Grandchildren Jacob Nichols and Alex McDonah and Great-Grandchild Jordan and many dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother George Kolbo, Sister Marjorie Pitz, and infant sister Karen.

He will be remembered most for his loyalty to the Green Bay Packers Football team, hunting and fishing interests, and being a loving father and husband . As a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers, he was their Number- One Fan. He is known for love and protection of family, encouraging and appreciating accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. To know Art was to know his Tenor voice and whistle wherever he went.

We are thankful for the time God lent him to us and we are honored to return to God the gift we had for 89 years.



The family wishes to thank Bethany Heights Assisted Living and the Onalaska Care Center for the quality care they provided.



Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Pastor Mark Jolivett will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, rural La Crosse. Friends may call on the family Saturday morning at the church from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Arts memory.