In Memory of William Kolessa

William Kolessa, age 72, of Columbus, Nebraska died Tuesday August 20, 2002 at the Columbus Manor.  Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Monday; August 26, 2002 at McKown Funeral Home. The Rev. Douglas Zurek will officiate. Visitation will be Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Graveside services with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard  will be 1:00 pm Tuesday at Roselawn Cemetery in Columbus.

William E. Kolessa was born May 17, 1930 in Bloomfield, Nebraska to Ernest and Bessie (Ferguson) Kolessa. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1949. He entered the U.S. Army on November 30, 1951. He served in Korea for 18 months. During this time he was awarded 2 Bronze Service Medals, The United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Foreign Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on August 29, 1953. He then began working at Oahe Dam in Pierre, South Dakota and later at Gavins Point Dam also in South Dakota. In 1958 he moved to Columbus and worked for Duquette Drilling for 14 years as a foreman in charge of installing irrigation wells. He later worked for Sands Hog Confinements, Dale's Roofing, a self employed handyman and drove cars from Omaha for several Columbus area auto dealers. William married Blanche (Kimball) Levos on November 27, 1964 in Kearney. He enjoyed gardening, working around his home and yard and caring for his pekinese dog, Pudgie. William was a past member of the Eagles Club and Belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #61. 

William is survived by:

Step-Daughter     Lavonne Kouma of Bellwood, NE
Step-Daughter     Irene Nemeth of Tucson, AZ
Step-Son              Elmer Levos, Jr. of Shelby, NE
Sister                     Loretta Skelburg of Wausa, NE
Sister-in-law          Fern Schlautman of Norfolk, NE
Sister-in-law          Eleanor Kolessa of Valentine, NE
Sister-in-law           Mae Kolessa of Florida
23- Grandchildren

He was preceded in death by:

Wife           Blanche Kolessa
Brother      John Kolessa
Brother      Ray Kolessa
Brother       Melvin Kolessa
2 Sisters    Doris & Ellen