Robert L Kolb

Robert Leroy Kolb died Sunday January 31 at the age of 86 after a short illness with a brain tumor. Robert was born September28, 1923 in Parker South Dakota. He moved to Wyoming with his parents and graduated from Powell High School in 1941. He attended one year of college in Sioux Falls and then he was drafted in 1943. Bob served for three years in World War II with the US Army and then remained active with the National Guard for many years. Bob returned to college and graduated with the first graduating class of Northwest College and next completed a degree in business from the University of Montana, Missoula in 1950. He married Loretta J. Winterholler on December 25, 1949. Bob and Loretta recently celebrated their 60th anniversary of marriage.
Bob began his sixty year career in the grocery business in 1950 working with his parents Harold and Madge Kolb and brother-in-law Mike Beier. In 1965, Bob and Mike purchased the store from his parents and in 1980 Bob bought out Mike. Bob devoted his life to the Powell community through many volunteer organizations and his lifelong vocation at the Foodbasket IGA. The pattern of his life was to be patient, persistent and the history of his service spans decades with Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Powell City Council, American Legion and of course Little League baseball. Bob played softball until age 75 and was recently honored for 50 years of coaching service to Little League. Bob was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and served the congregation in many capacities. Bob was also recently honored by Kiwanis for 50 years of service with perfect attendance.
Bob was preceded in death by one son, Kenneth A. Kolb, his only daughter Janice Ilene Kolb, his parents Harold and Madge Kolb, a brother Lloyd Kolb and his sister Dorothy Beier.
Bob is survived by his wife Loretta J. Kolb, son Gregory Kolb (Belinda) of Cheyenne, WY. , son Bradley Kolb(Kerri) of Powell,his mother in law Sophia Winterholler of Lovell, six grandchildren Megan Kolb, Ryan Kolb, Jessica Barlow, Andrew Barlow (Caitlin) Landin Kolb, Ostin Kolb, two great grandsons Noah Barlow, Sojourn Barlow, one great grandchild to be born in March and two nieces Patricia (Beier) Smith and Kathy Beier.
The family graciously appreciates donations to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bob's memory.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.thompsonfuneral.net.