April 17, 1916 ~ November 23, 2011
R.W. (Rolland William) Kolarik died on November 23, 2011 at the age of 95. He was born to Frank Kolarik and Kathyrn Hula Kolarik on April 17, 1916, the second of two brothers and grew up on the family farm originally begun by his grandfather, Joseph Kolarik, west of Caldwell. He attended Blackstone School and Caldwell High School, graduating in 1933. He received a B. A. in Geology from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, in 1937.
During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps and attained the rank of Captain. After basic training in Tennessee, he served in Washington state with the Barrage Balloon Force. He was admitted to officers’ training, at Lowry Air Base in Denver and further study at Stillman College, Yale University. He spent time in Oklahoma City and Kelly Air base in Texas before being shipped overseas. He served as an officer in charge of security and aircraft maintenance in Algeria and Italy. After the war he returned to Caldwell and married Lillian Charlotte Baker on September 2, 1946. They lived on the farm where he grew up. He was a successful wheat and cattle farmer with farms in Sumner and Harper County. He and Lillian raised five children. He instilled the values of education and hard work in each of them. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church and supported his children’s school, 4-H and sports activities.
After Lillian’s death in 1972, he married Jean Williams on December 27, 1974. They lived in Caldwell. He was the beloved father and grandpa not only to his own children and grandchildren, but Jean’s as well. To all he offered wise advice and generous support.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother, Albin Kolarik, his wives, Lillian Kolarik and Jean Kolarik. He is survived by five children and their spouses, Ruth Kolarik and Zhivoin Radoshevich of Colorado Springs, Colorado, William J. Kolarik and Yvonne Gutekunst Kolarik of Perkins, Oklahoma, David Kolarik and Vicki McClaskey Kolarik of Bellevue, Nebraska, Ann Kolarik Conus and Howard Conus of Springfield, Missouri, Bruce Kolarik and Ann Schmidt Kolarik of Wichita, Kansas.
Thirteen grandchildren and spouses, Nathan Kolarik, Wiliam Kolarik II, Jared Kolarik, Jennifer Conus Colwell and Randy Colwell, Charles Kolarik and Michelle Erickson Kolarik, Ryan Kolarik and Jamie O’Dell Kolarik, Franklin Kolarik and Michelle Doucette Kolarik, Lilliana Radoshevich, Sean Conus, Nikola Radoshevich, Erin Kolarik Kouba and Tony Kouba, Megan Kolarik, Danica Radoshevich and special friends Doug Kyle and family.
Seven great grandchildren, Cooper Colwell, Kaylynn Kolarik, Daniel Kolarik, Elias Kolarik, Katie Colwell, Matthew Kolarik, and Bruce Kolarik.
He is also survived by three step-children, Craig Williams and Elizabeth Bobek Williams of Manhattan, Kansas, Cheri Williams Schmutzer and Al Schmutzer of Sevierville, Tennessee and Galen Williams of Wichita, Kansas and their many children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Presbyterian Church in Caldwell.
Interment will be in the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in memory of R.W. to the American Cancer Society, 818 N. Emporia St. Ste. 100, Wichita, Kansas 67214.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Jerry and Marilyn (Lungren) Houlden
Family and Friends - 11/24/2011
I know you all have many special memories of Rolland. We became better acquainted with Rolland when Jean was part of the "Southenders" of the hospital. My dad, Ted Lungren, was also a resident there. Rolland was often visiting Jean as one or both of us were visiting Dad.
It is difficult to have a love one leave us, but the memories help make the passing easier. Our prayers are with each of you.
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Merle & Dorothy Gile
Family and Friends - 11/25/2011
Please convey our condolences to the Kolarik family. We enjoyed visiting with him on many of our trips to Caldwell. He and Jean visited us here in Las Vegas many years ago. Glad he had a long and productive life and loved his stories of the "old" days. Sincerely, Merle & Dorothy Gile
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Carol Jess McDowell
Family and Friends - 11/25/2011
I wish I could personally be there to pay my respects to Rolland,
but I will be there in spirit. I grew to admire, respect and love him over the past few years - and will miss our lengthy telephone
conversations. Please know as you lay him to rest, there is
someone far away who is thinking of him and his large family and
grieving with you.
I hope all of you will find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
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Ed McClaskey
Family and Friends - 11/26/2011
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Kolarik family during this time. I always enjoyed my conversations with Rolland during harvest. Rolland was born just 6 days after my Father.
Our deepest sympathy,
The Ed McClaskey Family
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Burton K. Tidwell
Family and Friends - 11/26/2011
My sincerest condolences to the Kolarik family and especially to his children with whom I attended school and was a member of the Sunflower 4-H Club. I remember Rolland's steadfast devotion to all youth in 4-H and at the church where he set a great example of leadership and guidance. He was a great gentleman. May each of you find great comfort in knowing that he lives on through you and others for whom he set such a great example.
With kindest regards,
Burton
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Debbie Kolarik Barnes
Family and Friends - 11/27/2011
It is very hard to realize that the generation, which cousin Rolland and Dad were of, is almost gone. Yet when I stop and think of our ages, it does seem possible.
I will miss my "catch" up talks with your dad in the grocery store. I was always excited when I got to visit with him. His dry wit was one of the many, many memories that I have of him.
I have a picture of Cousin Rolland and Dad in the orchard , I believe at the Home place. It is one of my favorites. If I am correct, it was taken before they both shipped overseas. Maybe I can get copies of it made, if you would like one.
Our thoughts ,as a family, are with you, along with generational love.
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Margaret Hula Malsam
Family and Friends - 12/23/2011
I'm a first cousin of Roland's. I am the daughter of Bill Hula, a sister of his mother Katie.
I would like to contact Ruth Kolarik as I live in Denver, CO.
I remember going to the wedding of Roland and Lillian.
Margaret Hula Malsam
mommalsam@msn.com
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