Michael Kolar

Michael Kolar, 81, died peacefully on November 9, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Dorothy Kolar; his sister, Mary Anne Mullen (Jim); and his nephew, Andrew Kolar. He is survived by his loving wife Vera and children, Katerina and Andrew; his brother, James (Anne) and his nieces and nephews, Andrea (Wayne), Joshua (Laura), Daniel (Clare), Christina, Mark (Carmen), Liz (Travis); his brother-in law Bob Mandybur and many dear grand nieces and nephews (Jack, Eli, Nica, Gideon, Amos, Shiloh, Benaiah, Mary Grace, Wayne, James, Rosie, David and Joseph). 

Michael was a man deeply connected to the world around him. The mountains were his sanctuary, a place where he felt truly alive. "This is livin'," he'd loudly proclaim as he hiked along a scenic trail. When inspiration struck during walks, bike rides, hikes, or while cross country skiing, he would pause to share a favorite poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, Robert Frost, or William Blake. He infused those special moments with his unique sense of wonder and appreciation for life’s beauty. He tirelessly drove us on countless trips to National Parks in our tan Toyota Sienna van, with the voices of books on tape as our constant companions. Our hikes and camping trips were filled with adventure: encountering bears, moose, and mountain goats on the trails; swimming in cool mountain lakes and rivers; and climbing up mountainsides, clinging to nothing but a single rope. 

He possessed an extraordinary gift for listening and made people feel heard, valued, and deeply understood. He was playful and gentle, ready with a joke, pun, or a kind word. He found mirth easily and could even make himself laugh. OH THE LAUGH…when Michael laughed it filled any room and even our entire neighborhood. 

Michael was a man of deep convictions. He marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr., standing up for justice and equality with unwavering resolve. His faith in God and the teachings of scripture were the cornerstones of his life. He lived these principles daily, treating everyone he met with respect. He made us feel supported, heard, and profoundly loved every single day. Michael was the heart of his family.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. with family visitation at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Victoria’s Historic Catholic Church, 8228 Victoria Drive, Victoria, Minnesota. Luncheon following the Mass in Elstan Hall at St. Victoria’s. Private interment will take place at Gethsemane Cemetery at a later date.

If you wish to honor Michael with a donation, you might consider donating to:

 Sharing and Caring Hands, a non-profit that compassionately responds to the needs of the poor https://sharingandcaringhands.org/donate 

Friends of the Boundary Waters https://www.friends-bwca.org/ 

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep” 

— Robert Frost, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening