Duane Kolb Obituary

Duane Joseph Kolb, 87, formerly of Lake City and Austin, died Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center in Wabasha, where he had resided the past four years.  
    He was born March 15, 1929 in White Earth, Minn., to Isidore and Anna Mary (Wensmann) Kolb.  The family moved to Austin when he was young.  He married Donna Schocker in 1951 in Austin.  They were blessed with six children.  They later divorced.
     Duane started his career working for Austin Dairy.  He became interested in carpentry and spent much of his adult life working as a carpenter for several contractors.  He loved camping, fishing, riding motorcycles, travelling and playing cards.  His greatest love was spending time with his family and friends.
    He was a past member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin.  He was also a past member of the Knights of Columbus.
    Duane is survived by children, Rose (Gerry) Grunig, Peoria, Ariz., Raymond Kolb, Austin, Rodney (Pat) Kolb, Wabasha, Renee (Randy) Escherich, Kiester, Minn. and Ralland (Erin) Kolb, Austin; 32 grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, LaVerne (Anna) Kolb, St. Paul and Dennis (Darlene) Kolb, Austin; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by one son, Russell, one granddaughter, his parents, two brothers, Raymond and Isidore and four sisters, Evelyn, Mary Jane, Viola and Bernice.
    A funeral mass will be offered on Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin with the Rev. Fr. James Steffes officiating.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Austin.  Casket bearers are Aaron Kolb, Justin Kolb, Trevor Kolb, Jeremy Grunig, and Jacob and Andrea Escherich.  Family and friends may call at the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha on Friday, June 17, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a prayer service held at 7 p.m. and at the church on Saturday one hour before the mass.   
    Memorials are preferred to the Amy Marx Memorial, c/o St. Felix School, 130 3rd St. E., Wabasha, MN  55981.  
    The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements www.abbottfh.com.