In Remembrance

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Donald R Kolenda

February 4, 1936 - June 14, 2019

Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22, at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, 5007 Maple Grove Rd., Hermantown, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be preferred to help defray medical expenses.

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Donald R. Kolenda, age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14th, 2019 at The Solvay House in Duluth. He was born February 4, 1936, in Duluth to Mrynie and Victor Kolenda.

Don was raised in Munger on the land that would become his home as an adult. Don was a very creative man and was loved by many people. On October 14, 1955 Don married the love of his life, Nina Brause. After getting married Don made a name for himself as an entrepreneur, a boilermaker, and machinist. His friends often referred to him as saying, “if the part didn’t exist, he’d make it.” As a way to give back to his community, Don became a Solway volunteer firefighter. During his working years Don also operated and owned a black dirt, gravel, and trucking business.

Don is survived by his wife Nina of 63 years; his children: David, Ron (Roni), Donna (Marty), Rick (Terry), Robin (Kyle) and Brad (Tonya); grandchildren: Tara, Sammi, Jesse, Joren, Kaiden, Brydon, Halle, and honorary grandchild Ellianna; great-grandchildren Jade and Sonya. He is also survived by his siblings: Myrna, Shirley, Dennis, Janet, Del, Dale, and Debbie.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to St. Mary’s 3E hospital staff and the Solvay Hospice House for their excellent care.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22, at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, 5007 Maple Grove Rd., Hermantown, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be preferred to help defray medical expenses.