Dr.
James A. Kolberg (MD)
Died
September 27, 2019
SUTTONS BAY – Dr. James A. Kolberg (MD), of Suttons Bay passed away on Friday, September 27, 2019 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born January 10, 1936 in Saginaw. He proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War and went on to obtain his medical degree from the University of Michigan. He subsequently served the Leelanau community for over three decades providing medical care while becoming a respected leader in the area.
Jim owned and operated the Leelanau Clinic at the former Leelanau Memorial Hospital in Northport where he took joy in helping those in need and introducing many babies to the world of Northern Michigan.
Jim possessed a broad and intellectual mind and his interests extended well beyond medical care as he had a special knack for solving mechanical problems. He built and flew experimental airplanes and even built two boats. He loved all things surrounding University of Michigan and he loved spending time with his family and friends but held a special love for M&M’s, Good and Plenty’s and ice cream.
Jim’s life will continue to be celebrated through his sister, Jeanine (Douglas) MacDougall; and his three children, Natalie (David) Foisie, Kevin Kolberg, and Craig (Tammy) Kolberg; as well as two grandchildren, Cody Wooters and Taylor Kolberg. Jim was married to Carita (Armstead) Kolberg from 1961 to 1977.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Dorothy (McCann) Kolberg; and his brother, Jerry Kolberg.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Bethany Lutheran Church of Northport. Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will follow. Pastor Ruth Overdier will officiate.
Memorial gifts for Jim can be made to the Dr. James Kolberg Scholarship Fund at the Leelanau Township Community Foundation and your donation can be made at www.LeelanauFoundation.org by clicking on the “Donate” button. Earnings from this fund provide scholarships to graduating seniors of Northport Public School who have chosen to study in the field of medicine.
Please share condolences and memories with Jim’s family below or on our Facebook page.
Jim was a good friend, golf buddy, and will be missed. About 15+ years ago I suggested to Jim that he join our senior golf league, which at that time was at the Leelanau Country Club. He did, and when introduced, several fellow golfers went up to Jim, lifted their shirts and showed Jim scars from operations Jim had performed years ago. They asked, "How does it look now Doc?" I also brought Jim into our Northport discussion group "Crackerbarrel." Jim gave a presentation on the airplanes he built and successfully flew in Michigan and nearby states. During some of our travels to Arizona in the winter months we would visit Jim at "Venture Out" in Mesa. Jim was a "people person" who enjoyed telling stories and enjoyed a good joke. I will miss our many talks on the phone over these last years. I'm sorry, I'll not be able to attend the services, because of my current health concerns. May Jim rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteBill Hoff and Suzanne