On the morning of August 24, 2017, Leora “Lonnie” Mae Kolar completed her journey on earth and passed peacefully into the loving hands of her Lord and Savior. She was 89 years of age.
Born April 13, 1928 in Fennimore, Wisconsin, Lonnie was the daughter of Monica M. and J. Leonard Fry. Lonnie grew up on the Green River Road family farm, Fennimore, along with her sisters, Betty and Dorothy. The farm still stands and in the past years she was able to return to the homestead sharing childhood memories with her children and the current owner, a distant Fry relation.
Lonnie attended Roger Hollow Country School, Mount Ida, and was a 1945 graduate of Fennimore High School. Lonnie reigned there as homecoming queen in her junior year. After graduation she went on to the School of Cosmetology at the Madison Vocational School, now known as Madison Area Technical College. She worked as a hair stylist and manager.
Lonnie married Royce Franklin Kolar on August 24, 1948. They spent their married life in Gays Mills, Boscobel, and Platteville, Wisconsin. Lonnie was a loving mother to three children, grandmother to six, and great-grandmother to four. At her passing another precious great-grandchild is on the way.
In addition to a homemaker and mother, Lonnie enjoyed working as a hair stylist, and in retail services. Her many interests included being employed with Gipp’s Smart Apparel and R and M Photography Studio in Platteville. She took a course in tax preparation and worked helping others during the busy tax season. She was employed as a hostess at Governor Dodge Hotel Restaurant. In addition, she enjoyed volunteering at nursing homes, socializing and helping with residents. Lonnie remained active walking daily miles around town and was recognized with smiles by many as she passed their homes and businesses.
Lonnie had a deep and meaningful Christian faith, putting her trust and gaining her strength through life’s joys and trials in her Savior. She attended church and Bible study sharing friendship and support in this faith with her very dear friend, Sharon Klaassen.
After moving from her home on Camp Street in Platteville, Lonnie lived at the Stonebridge Apartments. She moved to Park Place Senior Living in Platteville in 2010, enjoying the friendship of other residents and staff. She continued her long daily walks in the park across the street and the halls of Park Place. Of special interest was her time helping in the Park Place gift shop. She was one of the first to reside in this new care facility, living first in the independent living apartments and moving eventually to assisted living and finally to memory care.
Her caregivers at Park Place Senior Living were like family. Their love and care was extremely appreciated by Lonnie and her family as we grieved together at our loss of a very special lady. At the last, the family also extends much gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey White, Dr. Dianna Bearse, the staff at Southwest Health Hospital and St. Croix Hospice for their comfort and care.
Lonnie is survived by: two sons, John (Judy) Kolar of Fairchild, WI, and Stephen (Diane) Kolar of Cedar Rapids, IA; one daughter, Nancy Kolar of Platteville; one sister-in-law, Genevieve Parker of Clinton, MD; five grandchildren, Jana Friederick of Houston, TX, Jamie Friederick of Brooklyn NY, Andrew (Shanna) Kolar, Solon, IA, Jason Kolar, West Des Moines, IA, Scott Kolar, Kansas City, MO; one step-grandchild, Mindy (Brian) Riesen, Slinger, WI; two great-grandchildren, Colton and Mya; two step-great-grandchildren, Brooke and Coby.
She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends including her dear and special friends, Sharon and Dwight Klaassen.
Lonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters and their spouses: Betty and Virgil Gilbertson, Dorothy and Royce Doan. In addition, her ex-husband, Royce F. Kolar, passed in 2011.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Larson Family Funeral Home, 925 10th Street, Fennimore. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday before the memorial service. Burial will follow at Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore.
Larson Family Funeral Home of Fennimore is assisting the family. To express your online condolences please visit obituaries at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. I Peter 5:10”