John Kolarik - Beloit KS
8/12/1924 - 6/13/2010

John F. Kolarik, of Beloit, was born August 12, 1924, in Omena, Michigan, to Frank W. and Matilda (Houdek) Kolarik. He departed this life Sunday, June 13, 2010, at the Methodist Hospital, Omaha, NE, at the age of 85. He attended Northport Michigan School and graduated eighth grade. In 1944, John was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge.

On November 25, 1948, he married Dorothy Engelbert, of Beloit. They enjoyed 61 wonderful years together. To this union, three daughters were born.

John was a farmer and stockman for much of his life and retained a small cow-calf herd. John wasn't a stranger to hard work. He always had a second part-time job to supplement the farming operation. He worked for Dr. George Chapman as a veterinary assistant until the age of 50. John worked for Fred Raleigh Furniture and Funeral Home and later Harrison's Funeral Home, until his death. He was a bartender at the Country Club and also worked for the People's Lumber Company.

John was a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus. He served on Plum Creek Township Board and the ASCS Board. He was a devout Catholic, serving as a eucharistic minister since its inception, and served on St. John's Parish Council.

After his retirement, John and Dorothy enjoyed traveling around the United States and dancing. They were members of the Waconda Swingin' Squares Square Dance Club and the Jolly Mixers, Salina.

In August 2009, John, his wife and two daughters enjoyed his last trip to Michigan to see his many relatives, classmates and friends. In November 2008, he was honored to get to go to Washington, DC, to see the World War II Memorial on the Kansas Honor Flight.

Despite several health problems, he never complained and kept active until the end. John never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path. He loved his family and looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother, Willard Kolarik; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Gelnar.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of the home; daughters, Kathleen Gelnar and husband Roy, of Granite, OK, Deborah Halepeska and husband Brent, of Miltonvale, and Patricia Downing, of Bennington; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation is June 15, from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Harrison Funeral Home, Beloit, followed by rosary and vigil at 7:00 P.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. June 16, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Beloit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Memorial Trust Fund, in care of Harrison Funeral Home, Beloit.