John "Don" Kolaz

John “Don” Kolaz, 81, of Springfield, died at 2:20 pm Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born May 6, 1933 in Springfield, to Michael P. and Anna M. Zupansic Kolaz. He married the love of his life, Margie A. Stacy on October 5, 1957. They celebrated their 57th Anniversary on Sunday and she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Melinda M. “Mindy” Kolaz and Theresa D. “Terry” Kolaz both of Springfield; one son, Mark (Christine) Kolaz of Springfield; four grandchildren, Stacy, Cassidy, Thomas and Ryan and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister Mercedes and three brothers, Kenneth, James and William.

Don was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Don was a coach for boy’s baseball and coached the Connie Mack State Championship team. He was a “die hard Cubs fan”! He was a member of Knights of Columbus #364. He worked for Sentry Insurance in Claims and retired in 1990 as Vice President for Viking Insurance. He also worked for State of Illinois Department of Insurance for 10 years, retiring in 2000.

Gathering: 9 – 10:45 am, Saturday, October 11, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Memorial Mass: 11 am, Saturday, October 11, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Reverend Steve Janoski officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, where Military Honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28th floor, New York, NY 10010, [email protected] or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.