Wensel J. Kolarik
Died Aug. 12, 2019
GILLS PIER – Wensel “Wens” Julius Kolarik, 80, of
Gills Pier, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 at Munson Medical Center.
Wensel was born March 9, 1939 in Northport the
son of Julius Kolarik Sr. and Mary (Reicha) Kolarik.
Wens graduated from St. Mary’s School with the
Class of 1957. Afterwards he served his
nation in the US Army, in the signal corps during the peacetime years in
Germany. He was a devoted Catholic and
loved the Rosary.
He may be judged not by how much he has loved but
by how much he is loved by his God, his church, his family and the myriad of friends
from all walks and stations of life both poor and well off.
He was a confidant, a pal and was sincerely
interested in people; he was kind, generous and tenaciously faithful. He used his many avocations to cultivate his
relationships, whether on the ski slopes of Vail or playing tennis, golf or biking. All of which he employed as the farmer he was
in building a great farm to nourishing his appetite for life.
The care and tenderness shown by his close friends
Tina Rothbart and her daughter, Alix Rothbart, to Wens over the years, especially
over his last illness, is much appreciated by his family.
For all those not mentioned, Wens has an
everlasting memory of having been known and loved by you.
Wens is survived by his siblings, Joan Cooper, Magdalen (John) LeHoty, Julius (Grace) Kolarik, Cecilia (Joe) Sella, Philip (Nicole) Kolarik, Patrick (Peggy) Kolarik, and Thomas Kolarik; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Wens is survived by his siblings, Joan Cooper, Magdalen (John) LeHoty, Julius (Grace) Kolarik, Cecilia (Joe) Sella, Philip (Nicole) Kolarik, Patrick (Peggy) Kolarik, and Thomas Kolarik; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. with a 5 p.m.
Rosary on Thursday, August 15 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.
on Friday, August 16 at St. Wenceslaus Church of Gills Pier. Burial in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery will follow
the mass. Father Michael Class SJ will
serve as celebrant.
Memorials may be directed to Mass Intentions
and/or St. Mary’s School, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI, 49653
.
Please share condolences with Wens’ family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:
So very sorry to hear of Wens passing. Used to run with bro, Ralph. A good guy.Our sincere condolences.
ReplyDeleteRubi (Korson) n Chip Schaub
Wens was a good friend (and like a brother to me) for over 40 years. He began coming to Vail Colorado and my home around 1978 and never missed a winter here on the ski slopes. His love of skiing and kindhearted nature created many friendships in our small mountain valley. Our lives are better and more meaningful for knowing him and he will be missed greatly. "And when his journey finally ends, The memories left are gold, never to be tarnished...and never to grow old."
ReplyDeleteCindy Gilbert
My deepest sympathy to all of Wens family. He was truly one of my best friends. We were co-workers and had remained friends for over 40 years. I loved him like a brother. I will miss our breakfasts, laughs and great conversations. I am heartbroken by his loss. Rest in Paradise my dear friend, until we meet again. <3
ReplyDeleteWens volunteered as a Big Brother, through the United Way. I was lucky enough to be his Little Brother from when I was about 14. Ours remained a special friendship throughout our lives since then... and I am 61 now.
ReplyDeleteWens and I stayed friends for all of those years and I will miss him terribly.
Wensel was a very dear friend of ours for many years. Because his family was in Michigan and he lived in Colorado also, Wensel was part of our family for a lot of holidays and celebrations. Our children grew up knowing Wensel and he always took an interest in their lives. Bob and Wenz rode bikes together in their younger years Vail Pass, Loveland Pass and Front Range Century. We will miss going out to dinners and his great sense of humor. Whenever he was leaving or saying goodbye he always told us he loved us and we told him we loved him. We have wonderful memories and will miss him greatly.
ReplyDeleteLove you Wens! You will always be in our hearts....a very special man.
ReplyDeleteAndre&Shari
A bunch of ski bums in the late 70's all came together in Vail Co.Andre,Brian, Hubbell,the Canadians,
ReplyDeletethe Pitkas,Pat and Nitze, Bart and lots more crazies and of course WENS. What a ball we all had. Vail was young and so were we.
Wens was always there laughing and skiing Highline, the back bowls and perhaps a libation at Donovans.
Over the years Wens was always a great and loyal friend. I'd like to think he's up in Heaven skiing with Brian McCleary and everyone else who's gone before us. God Bless you Wens. Pat and Brenda McCann
"When you ask God for a gift, be THANKFUL is he sends, not diamonds, pearls, or riches, but the love of real true friends." - Helen Steiner Rice Wens was one of those real true friends ... to many people. How fortunate we were to have known him. I will forever miss seeing his happy smile and cheerful, "Hi!" after church. Gods speed, Wens. You are missed. Warmly, Stacy Voras
ReplyDeleteWens was an integral member of The Sunday Sinners - the name given to the Vail Mountain Host Sunday group. When his health forced him to resign he was made Alumni and always came to our end of season celebrations. His booming voice, his laughter, his hugs that instantly made you feel safe, his " joie de vivre " and his ease at telling his friends he loved them will be greatly missed. God Bless you Wens.
ReplyDelete- Barbara Palermo & Ken Maloney