Darlene J. Kolbo

- Darlene Jewel Kolbo, 96, of Onalaska passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the Onalaska Care Center.

She was born in Rock Island, IL to Ella E. Brownlee and Leonard G. Knochenmus on July 27, 1924, and married the love of her life, Arthur L. Kolbo in Vallejo, CA, spending 68 years together before his death 8 years ago.

She is survived by daughters Debra L. (Nick) Nichols, Ellen I. (Jeffrey) McDonah, grandchildren Nate Melby (Adriane), Katherine Dangerfield (Sherman), Amanda Nogee, Jack Bauman, Jamie Saitta (Steven); step-grandchildren Jacob Nichols, and Alex McDonah(Ashley); great-grandchildren Jordan, Zayden, Torbjorn, Adeline, Ivan and step-great-grandchildren Cooper, Maddie, Henry; and many dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur L. Kolbo, brother Leonard V. Knochenmus (Judy), and her mother and father.

Darlene led a rich life of love for her family and dedication to community. She volunteered at area help crisis lines and the Dorcas Society at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI. She shared loyalty to family and neighbors whenever a helping hand was needed, by making and sharing delicious food and cuddling as many children as she could hold. Darlene was an independent woman, learning to swim in her 50’s and working on B-52 bombers during WWII in California. She was an animal-lover, taking in a few lucky pets and giving them a kind, forever home. In addition to creative hobbies and volunteer interests, she also worked at K-Mart, the Auto-lite, and the Rubber Mills in La Crosse.

Our family wishes to sincerely thank the Onalaska Care Center staff for their compassionate care.

At request of the family, memorials may be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division Street, La Crosse, WI.

Due to current circumstances, private services will be held for the immediate family at the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, rural La Crosse, WI. Pastor Joanne Richmond will officiate.