John Henry Kolka, age 68, of Volborg passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at his home in Volborg as a result of a house fire.
John was born on May 31, 1945 in Miles City, Montana, the son of John and Margaret (Decker) Kolka. He attended first through eighth grade at South Stacey School and graduated from Custer County District High School. Johnny married Gladys Berrear. To this union a son, Kevin was born in 1966. He later moved to Missoula where he worked as a logger and at a bakery. He and Gladys later divorced and Johnny worked making dental tools and also worked at a potato chip factory. Johnny was injured in a logging accident and lost the majority of his hearing. He then returned to Stacey where he worked for various ranchers. The last seven years Johnny worked for Brent Clark who he considered to be a family member.
Johnny will always be remembered for his unique laugh, sense of humor and his generosity. He enjoyed ranch work, hunting, collecting guns and reading. Every time Johnny went to Miles City he would stop to visit his Aunt Jean and Uncle Louie. Johnny always remembered to bring fresh produce from his garden in for his Aunt Jean and Uncle Louie.
Johnny is survived by his son Kevin, ex-wife Gladys, Aunt Jean Leidholt and his German Shepherd Suzy, who was the love of his life; Cousins Tammy Raymond, Donald, Kolka, Cecil Kolka and nephew Kirby Kolka. Johnny was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Decker Kolka, grandparents: Ross and Ella Decker, John and Katherine Kolka, and Uncle Art and Aunt Violet Kolka, Brother Richard Kolka, nephew Brian Kolka and Cousins Arlene and Dorothy.
Next summer a memorial to celebrate John’s life will be held at the Stacey Memorial Hall.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home for a headstone for Johnny or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Private Services
Saturday February 1, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Private Services
Saturday February 1, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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kelsey lee says
To the family of John Kolka,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34;18) With sympathy,
Clarence Brown says
I have had the great pleasure to be able to call Johnnie my friend for 55 years. He will be missed.
LINDA MERCHANTAND BILL CANON says
john worked for us after moving from Missoula working as a logger.One of the best hired men my dad(Dallas Merchant) ever had.A very tender sole to deal with onry ‘farmer’s daghter’s’,as kids we spent a lot of time at johns home when mom and dad went to town.alway’s making us do our chores,but helping us out when we needed it.John was alway’s my friend and will be missed everyday.John has been a friend of the family all his life,from his parents to him.the community will alway’s remember his laugh and smile.MABY GONE,BUT NEVER FORGOTTON!
Loren Harbaugh says
So sorry to hear of Johnnies passing. Our family new his family from a very young age as our mothers maintained a friendship through high school and up until Margaret passed. We used to go out to their home to visit and then during hunting season. My dad wired the house and bunk house when they got REA. We were the best of friends through High School and then for many years later. Johnnie always had a great funny spirit about him and was a big tease and had an infectious laugh. We always had a lot of fun at Halloween playing pranks on others. That country won’t be the same without him!!! A good Friend!!!
Dawn Draine says
I did not know him well but I will certainly miss hearing John’s laugh. He always seemed so happy and friendly. May he rest in Peace.
Tammy Leidholt Raymond says
Thank you, to everyone who left comments about Johnny. I know that my mom and dad will enjoy reading them. It was Johnny’s request that know funeral would be held. I hope that all of you will be able to come to the Stacey Memorial Hall this Summer. I will probably have the memorial during the month of June on a Saturday. I will put the announcement in the Broadus and in the Miles City papers.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of John Henry Kolka – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mr. Kolka. It was not the Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). In the Bible we are promised the resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
M Tewell says
I had just got to know John in the last twenty years when he worked for the Wiltes , he was such a nice and caring man to everyone and everything. I want to thank everyone who helped John thru tuff times in his life, as he was always there for anyone that he could help. My last visit with John I took my to Grandsons for him to meet, they still ask and talk about what a funny and nice man he was, he will be missed.