Harlan R. Kolodzik, passed into the arms of our Lord on Friday August, 15, 2014.
Harlan was a farm boy, son of Elmer and Nora (Strehlow) Kolodzik born on September 27, 1933. His greatest desire was to reach the age of 80, which he did with yet another family celebration of his life.
Family was the priority in his life and he lived for the holiday gatherings and the very special suppers of his famous, secret recipe for spaghetti and meat balls which he shared with no one. Helping to make the meat balls after his secret ingredients were mixed up, was all anyone could volunteer to do... no peeking what was in the sauce. We didn't care and just looked for yet another of his "secret" recipe suppers...
Harlan graduated from Winneconne High School, Class of 1952. His classmates will remember him by his nickname of Dead-Eye...He played football and basketball during his school years. Harlan proudly served his country in the U.S. Army after high school. He would then work at the Telephone Company for 38 years, making many loyal friends. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America taking charge of projects of Adopt the Highway, a two mile section of Hwy 21, making picnic tables for the handicapped, and the greatest of all spending a day at the Tomah Vets Hospital with fellow Pioneers for many years, taking gifts and food for all to enjoy. Hunting was yet another of "Harley's", as some called him, adventures joining buddies Gene Hoger, Bob DePew, Kenny Cartwright, and others for their annual deer hunt. Much to be desired hunting shacks where their supply of beer had to be brought in by boat, mice that had names, and out houses were there for friendships that lasted for years. Harley's "stand" seemed to be whatever came through the camp kitchen, but venison was shared for all. He was a collector of metal measuring tapes and made cases to hold over 2000 of them. Tours were a must when anyone came to visit and he took pride of the numbers and people came to know that if they found one he didn't have they would add it to his collection. His love of 50s-60s music could be heard playing while he puttered in his workshop, disco was a favorite. Harlan was a member of the Butte des Morts Lions Club for many years. Harlan enjoyed his Packer and Badger games and so looked forward to yet another season and I'm sure he has already convinced the angels that both the Packers and Badgers are the best! He would also tell you that Ford vehicles were the only vehicle on the face of the earth which led to many good humored arguments.
Harlan is survived by his companion and soul mate of 39 years, Barbara Geffers; and her son, John, who he also called his son; his son, Robert (Alicia Wildenberg and her sons Cale and Troy) Kolodzik, of Larsen and Land O'Lakes; his daughter, Linda (Jason Kromm) Kolodzik, of Oshkosh; and his beloved grandson, Casey Kolodzik, of Oshkosh; his sister, Carol (David) Otto, of Oshkosh; and many relatives and faithful friends.
Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lyle Kolodzik; sister, Verna Sikes; and two infant brothers. Also Mindy his dog; I'm sure by now has found him and they are taking their daily walks.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, August 23, 2014, from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Sr. Pam Biehl officiating. Inurnment will be in the St. Thomas Cemetery, Poygan at a later date.
In lieu of flowers PLEASE make a donation in Harlan's name to your favorite animal shelter or the Omro Community Food Pantry.
His family thanks the many friends and relatives who sent cards and prayed each time his health issues occurred through the years.
Harlan, Har, Harley, Dad, Grandpa, and Sweetheart, please know you were loved by many and will remain forever in our hearts until we meet again.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.