Nelson E. Kolberg

Nelson E. Kolberg, 86, of St. Joseph, passed away to be with His Lord and Savior on Monday, May 5, 2008 at Caretel Inns of Royalton. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 9, 2008 at 11:30 A.M at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Court St, St. Joseph with Rev. Thomas Batsky officiating the service. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 6:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Nelson was born on May 6, 1921 to Victor and Mabel (Block) Kolberg in St. Joseph. Nelson was a resident of St. Joseph his whole life and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1940. Nelson served his country during World War II and made the Normandy invasion and fought in the Battle of Bastone. He was an installer for Western Electric for 40 years and after retirement worked for John Lindenfeld Real Estate part time. In 1948, he married the former, Helen (First) Hatch and together raised a son, Keith and 2 step-sons, Roger and Steve Hatch. She passed away in 1966. He married the former, Else (Kesterke) Hallman in 1968. Mr. Kolberg was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph and Stevensville American Legion Post 568 where he served for 30 years. He enjoyed family, friends and life in general. Nelson is survived by his son, Keith (Christine) Kolberg of St. Joseph; his step-sons Roger (Judith) Hatch of Mattawan, Mike (Cindy) Hallman of Covert; his grand children, Ali Chinick and Kari (Joe) Palazzolo both of St. Joseph; a nephew, Kevin (Debbie) Griffendorf of Ann Arbor, and a niece, Kim (Matthew) Reck of Bridgman and many close friends. He is preceded in death by Helen and Elsie, his sister Evelyn (Jim) Griffendorf of Three Oaks and step son, Steven Hatch of Dowagiac.