"Milo and the Kollasch family,
So sorry to hear of Anita's passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Know that I will be praying for and thinking of all of you...
God Bless,
Sara (Ulses) Brinker"
Anita Kay Kollasch was born April 8, 1933, in Whittemore, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Mary "Mae" (Hayes) Elbert. Anita attended school at Presentation Academy and spent many hours during the summer at the community pool working as a lifeguard or just "hanging out." She graduated from high school in 1950. After her schooling she worked as a telephone operator in Algona for several years. She was roommates with her good friends Bette (Muller) Buscher, Jane (Muller) Scott, and Jo (Lickteig) Elbert.
On June 7, 1955, Anita, fondly known as "Neet," was united in marriage to Milo Kollasch at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. Guests traveled from near and far to attend the wedding, dinner and dance at the Plantation, and jitterbugged the night away. Their wedding party included Colleen (Farrell) Schneider, Ill Mae Elbert, Orville Muller, and Mark Kollasch. Anita would spend the next 58 years tending to her family wherein her most important job was raising her children, which she did with great love and care. After dedicating the first 19 years to being a stay-at-home mom, she began working part-time outside of the home. First she worked at the Middle School Annex hot lunch program and later at Algona High School as the a la carte lunch lady. Anita also worked in the fabric department at Alco. After retirement Anita and Milo enjoyed 15 winters at the J5 RV Park in Mission, Texas.
One of Anita's greatest joys was visiting and spending time with her family and friends. She was an extraordinary letter writer spending time each day writing to her children and friends often including interesting newspaper clippings. Anita also enjoyed golfing, playing cards, tending her flowers, baking, telling jokes and laughing. She was always organizing her home and kept a tidy ship.
Anita was an active member of St. Cecelia's Parish, attending service regularly, singing in the funeral choir and helping at the Catholic stand at the County fair. She was a member of the New Dimension, CD of A Court St. Cecelia #283, VFW Auxiliary, TOPS and KOPS.
At the age of 80 Anita died Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.
She is survived by her husband, Milo of Algona; children, Karen (George) Reinhart of Algona ; Julie (Keith) Germain of Concord, CA; Larry (Lai) Kollasch of Naperville, IL; Kenneth (Karen) Kollasch of Burnsville, MN ; Susan (Dale) Jenkins of Andover, KS; Douglas (Teresa) Kollasch of Algona; M/Sgt Keith Kollasch of Chugiak, AK. Grandchildren are Tom (Sarah) Reinhart, CWO 3 Nick (Kathy) Reinhart, Jennifer (Eli) Reinhart Garms and Chris Reinhart; Jacqueline (Chris) Germain Siino and Brittany Germain; Aaron and Shannon Kollasch; Erik and Charlie Kollasch; Alexandra and Grey Jenkins; Dustin Faber-Kollasch, Carter and Lilly Kollasch; and Taylor Schealler. Great-grandchildren are Drew, Noah, Leah and Kyle Reinhart; R.J. and Milo Reinhart; Hailey Siino; and Jadyn Douglas. Also surviving is her brother, Darrell (Gail) Elbert of Cherry Hill, NJ; special nieces close-by who were very helpful over the years, Colleen (Farrell) Schneider and Joann (Elbert) Briggs along with many other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Joan Marie; three brothers, Cletus, Wayne and Virgil "Tickie" Elbert and sister, Marcella (Farrell) Moldt.
"Milo and the Kollasch family,
So sorry to hear of Anita's passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Know that I will be praying for and thinking of all of you...
God Bless,
Sara (Ulses) Brinker"
"Dear Mr. Kollasch and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Mrs. Kollaschs passing. She was a dear friend of my mothers. I have memories of them laughing it up together and being a great support for each other. I have a wonderful story about Anita that involved my mother when she was sick in Arizona that I tell from time to time and always makes me cry. I know that my mom was there to greet Anita and I can see them together on a walk in Heaven. Sincerely Mary Lou "Boudewyns" Morz"
"milo; sorry to read about your resent loss, you have all my simpathy . your old friend and coworker brian rike"
"Milo and family, Neet was always smiling - she shared her smile readily with others. She would always take a moment to say hello and ask about my family whenever I was home to Algona and she saw me at church. She will be fondly remembered. I hold you and your extended family in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss and sadness> God bless and give you comfort in your memories."
"Milo and family, Your mom always took an interest in other people and always had a smile on her face. She is fondly remembered. "
"it was a joy to spend time and share memories with milo and anita a highlight was watching her make coleslaw at our house in spirit lake. that girl could shred with a knife she sliced and sliced and sliced the finest i have ever seen . she did it with love as she did everything in her life. meet it was an honor to know you betsy jenkins"
"Milo and family, were so sorry to hear of Anita's death our sympathy goes out to you."
"Doug and the Kollasch family,
I just wanted you to know we are thinking of you today, and Praying that you will all find peace in knowing that Anita is with the Lord. So sorry we weren't able to be there for you today.
Les and Keeley Anderson & family"
"Milo and family
We are sorry for your LOVE one passing.You have our prayers for all of your family.
Kenny & Mary Ann Studer"
"Milo and family. We are so sorry to hear that Anita passed away. You both were very good to my folks Bill and Hattie after they retired and after you retired. I have fond memories of Anita and you helping at the K of C hall. I always enjoyed seeing that wonderful smile when we were in Algona. She was a great lady. You all have our sympathy. Darrell and Sally Ludwig Cedar Falls, IA"
"Milo, Karen and families: My sincerest sympathy on your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this difficult time."
"Milo & Family We were privileged to get to know this very fine lady during our winters together at J5. Our deepest condolences, she will be missed greatly by all. Laurie & Marty Lidgren Semans, Saskatchewan, Canada "
"Dear Kollasch Family, Pete and I are so sorry for your loss! We are in London at the time or we would be at the funeral tomorrow. Please know that we are thinking and praying for your entire family! "
"Anita always had a smile on her face,she always had time to talk to you. I know your loss is so great,but what wonderful memories you all must have of your Dear Mother,Grandmother, and friend. Bill and I know just how sweet she was,every AMU christmas party she would visit with us. Our deepest sympathy to you all"
"Milo & family, we are so sorry to read of Neet's passing. We have many memories of visiting with you both. Way back when I was "the egg lady" I always enjoyed meeting her at the door and having a short visit, then later on visiting you at J5 in Texas and your stopping to spend the night with us when we lived in Rockport. She was always so cheerful and happy. Even though we haven't seen either of you for several years now, we will miss her so much. God bless you and the family."
"Dear Milo and family,
My very deepest sympathy to you all at the loss of a very dear and special Neeta. She was a mother to so many and I feel so fortunate to have been one of them. I have fond memories of the times I stayed with Julie in your home on Wooster Street ~ it was a home filled with love and laughter and she definitely was the center of it all. Be thankful for the years and wonderful memories you have that will live and be cherished forever. Sending my love and prayers and hugs to all of you.
Mary (Muller) Lauf"
"9/30/'13 To Milo and Families,
my thoughts and prayers are with you all on the loss of one so special to so many people. I remember when I use to come over to your home and Larry and I always had a lot of fun. Anita was a kind and caring person who loved her family and people. May She Rest In Gods Home Forever. God Has gained another Angel in Heaven now. With Sincerest Sympathy and Prayers and Friendship, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Minnesota(Formerly of Algona, Iowa)."
"Dear Milo, and family, What I cherish about Anita is that she always had time for people. When we first moved to Algona, Anita was one of the first and kindest neighbors to welcome us to Algona. She had a gift for friendliness and kindness. Just seeing her left me feeling special and loved. May you her closest loved ones have & cherish memories of that same warmth. I remember too how she greeted everyone at the sign of peace at Mass. She would say, "Christ's peace be with you." May that peace come to you in your loss, too. with deepest sympathy and prayers, Barb & Ken Vaske"
"We will always remember what a fighter Anita was and such a great Lady! We are so thankful we all went to J-5 and got to be friends with Anita and Milo for several years. Love to all of the family and especially to Milo. Tom and Donna"