Don Kolker

Donald Joseph Kolker, 85, of Remsen died Monday, April 18, 2016 at his home in Remsen. 
         Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen with the Rev. William McCarthy and Rev. Eugene Sitzmann officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Remsen. Graveside military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 3328 and American Legion Post 220 of Remsen. Visitation will be anytime after 4 p.m. Friday. There will be a parish rosary at 5 p.m. and a vigil prayer service at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Presentation all at Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen.
Donald Joseph Kolker was born December 16, 1930 in LeMars, IA to Alvin and Loretta (Sitzmann) Kolker. He grew up in LeMars, graduating from St. Joseph School in Lemars in 1948.  
          He served as a Supply Sergeant with the 213 Field Artillery during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he married La Eva Wilberding June 8, 1954. The couple lived in Sioux City, IA , until 1963 where Don worked ar Armour Packing Company. 
Don moved to LeMars and worked a Plymouth Plumbing and Heating until 1964 when he started working for NIPCO in equipment and supply and later became the manager of the department until he retired in 1995. 
         Don married Dorie (Pick) Feller on May 7, 1993 in Remsen, IA. The couple would have celebrated 23 years of marriage in May. 
         Donald’s passions (besides Dorie) include fishing, cooking and his several organizations including being a member of Korea’s Last Man Club, 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Lions, American Legion Post 220 in Remsen, VFW Post 3325, VFW Honor Guard, Quartermaster of VFW. He also served on the Utility Board, Plymouth County VA Board, NIPCO Credit Union Board, Oktoberfest Chior, Everlasting Choir and St. Mary’s Ball Chairperson. He is survived by his wife, Dorie and his children; Steve (Janet) Kolker of Le Mars, Linda (David) Flakne of Madison, Wis., and Denise (Rob) Olson of Monument, CO, Karen (Rick) Swain of Cherokee, IA, Chris (Lisa) Feller, Connie (Tim) Begnoche, Pete (Melissa) Feller all of Remsen, IA.; 20 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren.; Brothers Ken (Diann) Kolker of Lemars, IA, and Lloyd Kolker of Sioux City, IA.; Brother-in-law, Dan Pick of Remsen, Laverne Gano of Cherokee, IA.; Sisters-in-law Jan Pick of Sioux City and Nancy Pick of LeMars, IA.
          He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchilren, Shaun and Sydney Olson, in-laws; Glen (KItty) Pick, Carol Jean Pick, Ruth (Dick) Rhodes, Vera Gano, Harold Berding, Jerry (Jolene) Pick, Joe Pick, Peter M. Feller and Cliff Pick. 
Casket bearers will be Mike Kolker, Kyle Flakne, Cameron Olson, Jordan Feller, Brandon Begnoche and David Kolker.
          Honorary bearers will be the members of the Knights of Columbus and the grandchildren; Kayla & Chad Flakne, Courtney Olson, Ricky & Michael Swain, Russell & Jennifer Feller, Danny, Stephanie, Matthew, Abbie & Brad Begnoche, Preston & Madison Feller.