"Keith and the Kollasch family-- Sending peace and comfort from your Air Force family in Alaska to your family at home in Iowa...know you've been in our thoughts and prayers these past weeks, today, and beyond. Doug was clearly an amazing brother, dad, and community member, and you have many memories to share... We are here for you. Take care--"
In loving memory of
Douglas C. Kollasch
January 23, 1969 - March 4, 2015
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Doug's name and they will be divided between the following: Hospice of the Heartland, Knights of Columbus, Bishop Garrigan Schools, Calvary Cemetery and his children's education fund.
Douglas Charles Kollasch was born January 23, 1969, in Algona, the third son and seventh child of Milo and Anita (Elbert) Kollasch. After graduating from Garrigan High School in 1987, he continued his education at DeVry in Kansas City. When Hy-Vee opened a store in Kansas City, he decided to pursue his career there and in Des Moines before returning to Algona. Last year Doug celebrated 25 years with Hy-Vee.
In 1997 Doug was blessed with his son Dustin, and in 2006 began dating Teresa Lilleberg. They became best friends, fell in love, and were joined by God on March 21, 2009, at St. Cecelia's Catholic Church. In 2012 they were blessed with twins Lilly and Carter, followed in 2014 by the birth of their second set of twins Marcus and Emma. He loved being a dad and wanted to spend every moment he could with his children.
Doug's passions in life were faith, family, and community. He held numerous leadership positions within the Knights of Columbus Council #952, serving as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator and enjoying any opportunity to be in the Honor Guard. He also started the local K of C Squires chapter. Along with his service as a Fourth Degree Knight in the MSGR. P.P. Gearen Assembly #2610, his years at Hy-Vee and the giving example set by his parents made him into the ultimate community service leader. He encouraged everyone he met to help others, shop locally to support the community, and get involved in local service groups. He gave an average of an hour a day of his free time to others, many times with his wife and son Dustin by his side. Doug received numerous awards in honor of his service - in 2003 he was the Algona Knights of Columbus Knight of the Year, in 2006 received the Algona Chamber of Commerce Congeniality Award, and he achieved the Ronald D. Pearson Hy-Vee Service award in 2011. In 2012 and 2013, he was voted by his fellow Sir Knights as one of eight to represent Iowa at the K of C Supreme Convention. In December of 2014 the city of Algona designated December 26 and 27 as "Doug Kollasch Days" for all he did for his community.
In his spare time, Doug enjoyed listening to heavy metal music, motorcycling, and any event involving lots of people. He grilled pork chops for Mr. Pork Chop on RAGBRAI for many years, went to rock concerts whenever possible, and was always looking for something new to experience. He also enjoyed playing tennis, taking walks with his family, and watching football.
Doug fought for two and half years against brain cancer, and on March 4, 2015, died peacefully at home at the age of 46.
He is survived by his wife Teresa; five children, Dustin, Lilly, Carter, Marcus, and Emma; six siblings Karen (George) Reinhart of Algona, IA; Julie (Keith) Germain of Concord, CA; Larry (Lai) Kollasch of Naperville, IL; Ken (Karen) Kollasch of Burnsville, MN; Sue (Dale) Jenkins of Andover, KS; and Keith Kollasch of Chugiak, AK; in-laws Darrell and Deloris Lilleberg of Cummings, ND; sister-in-law Cindy (Mike) Doeden of Hillsboro, ND and brother-in-law Paul Lilleberg of Cummings, ND; godchildren Erik Kollasch, Kadie Doeden, and Elizabeth Gatton; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Milo and Anita (Elbert) Kollasch and infant sister Joan.
Tributes
"Sorry for your loss. Doug will be missed by so many. He touched many lives and will always remain forever in our hearts. Class of 1987 Cindy Farrell Lowe"
"Our deepest sympathies to you all. Doug was truly one of the best. Always with a smile or a kind word. He is now an angel watching over all of you. Our love and prayers. "
"What a fantastic video! Dustin, I never realized how much you look like your dad! You all have my very deepest sympathy. Doug was a truly good person. There are not nearly enough like him, and he will be so terribly missed."
"MSgt Keith Kollasch and Family, Please accept our deepest condolences in your time of loss. We know you thought and spoke very highly of your brother Doug. We hope that you are comforted in knowing that he is at peace and the men and women of the 90th AMU are thinking of you and yours. "
"Teresa and family, Please know many people are thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time. Cherish and share the memories you have of Doug. I pray that God bestows countless blessings upon you and your family during this difficult time. "
"Doug is a nice and wonderful cousin, He always had a smile on his face it seemed to make my day brighter. Doug will be missed. Just keep his memory in your hearts."
"To all of the Kollasch family. Our thoughts are wilth all of you as you go through this very hard time. Doug was a fighter and his parents were so proud of him. He is now with them. "
"Dear family, What a great loss! I used to work with Doug at HyVee, until I moved to Des Moines. He was such a nice person. My symthapies are with you all.
Love and prayers, Christi Reinking"
"3/5/'15
To The Kollasch Families- my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you on the loss of a great person and kind friend. Doug had a wonderful and happy smile and had a wonderful and kind heart. His suffering is over now and he is watching over you all- treasure the many memories and smiles Doug gave you all and keep them close to your heart. Gospeed Doug, you have earned your wings to heaven- you will be missed my friend. With Love and Peace and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota-(Formerly of Algona, Iowa). "
"May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer. Doug was that faithful friend to me...and so many more. God Bless you....and good bye for now. "
"As two of the many Hy-Vee high school students that worked under Doug's supervision, we want to offer our gratitude for Doug's steadfast leadership, caring, and understanding. Doug treated us all with respect, regardless of our age, and created a fun work environment that fostered a lifetime of friendships (and sometimes spouses!). He certainly earned our respect in return. Many blessings and prayers to all of his family left here on earth to grieve his loss. We hope you can be consoled that he is at home with the Lord and able to keep that ear to ear smile going strong every day. Hy-Vee "Class" of 1990-1994"
"Dear Teresa and all the Kollasch Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of Doug's extended family. We have had the honor and privilege to know a great man, son, brother, husband, father, and friend and I am a better person because of Doug. Although one chapter of his life has closed a new one is now opening, may you all find peace in knowing that he is still here with you looking down and watching over everyone. "
"Doug was one of the greatest guys with a true heart of gold, so very kind & caring. He loved his family & friends & they ment the world to him. He was a very hard worker & put 100% into everything he ever done. He was very well known by many & has done a lot for the city of Algona. He was the true Smile In Every Isle HyVee & loved to help people evey chance he had. Doug will be missed by so very many people that he touched in so many lives & in so very many ways. God blessed us with Doug & now he is blessed with Doug in heaven now. May Doug rest in peace & no longer live in pain. God bless my brother Doug & Thank You for being a great friend, miss ya brother... "
"I am truly saddened by the news of Doug's passing but am glad knowing the kind of person he was that there is no doubt where his soul is. His suffering is done, his journey is over! Our prayers go out to his wife and children, may you rest in peace! I know I am a better person having known him! My sympathy's to his siblings ."
"Our sincere sympathies to Doug' s family. He is now in God's loving arms and at peace. Teresa, our thoughts and prayers are with you especially as you move forward without the love of your life. So sorry for your loss."
"My condolences to Doug's family. Doug always had time to visit when I would see him when I was back in town. Even if he was busy at work he would take a minute to chat, I always appreciated that. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers."
"God please watch over Doug and keep him in your arms and as he is now with his parents. Please watch over his young family as he lived a good short life.Prayers for all those also who had the joy of knowing Doug. He will greatly be missed."
"Teresa - our hearts are breaking for you and the kids. You and Doug have been so strong through all of his suffering and we know that he is now in heaven with the Lord and his folks and he will be watching over all of you. We pray that God gives you the strength you will need and we will continue to pray for Doug, you and the family. "
"God's speed to Heaven, Doug! We can only try to strive to be half the person you were......good in deed and gentle in nature. My sympathies to your immediate and extended families, and to your many friends. OUR lives were made better by you being in them. Peace to you. "
" Doug was a man, I respected, admired, and liked. He will be missed by many! My prayers and thoughts are with Theresa, the children, and rest of the family at this time. May you find comfort in the memories Doug gave you all."