Edward Kolb

MADISON – Edward Kolb died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015. He was born in Madison, on March 6, 1926.

Ed was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy as a pilot trainee and was grateful to be able to participate in an Honor Flight, recognizing the veterans of World War II. Ed worked for many years at the Rentschler Floral Co. and then at the Bill Doran Co. until his retirement. He was a devoted, life-long member of Blessed Sacrament Church and a proud alumni of Edgewood High School as well as a member of the Edgewood Athletic Association.

He was a devoted father of four sons, William (Jill), Thomas (Linda), Michael, S.J., and John “Jack” (Barb); six grandchildren, Abigail, Leah, McKenzie, Jake, Kimberly and Jesse; and eight great-grandchildren. He was most proud of the fact that he went back to college and obtained a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin at the age of 50.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemary.

A list of Ed’s honors, awards and volunteer service over his lifetime is too extensive to detail. He was a simple man who did not seek attention. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Mass of Christian will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison with Father Pat Norris officiating. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison. A second visitation will take place at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Edgewood High School, Blessed Sacrament Parish or Kohima Region of the Society of Jesus.