"As children we were always curious about how we were related to people. It was always pleasant to see Lorene's Mother, Justine, at St. Joseph's Church in Wesley. However, it was at those great parties at my Uncle Clarence & Caroline's house where we finally made connections with the various families and the Kollasch/Laubenthal ties. Lorene was one of the more quiet and observant participants compared to the singers, joke-tellers, and generally loud partiers in this clan. We kids loved to see the Kollasch group sing around the piano in those days, and the louder the better. Lorene was a little more content to help with the food, the children, and carry on conversations in the kitchen. My Mother had a similar manner and so she always enjoyed finding out what was happening in Whittemore when talking to Lorene. She was a busy lady with seven children, but you never got the feeling that she was overwhelmed or upset easily. She had a high tolerance for lots of activity! The pictures on this website show that...she will be missed by all of us who knew her. --Marie Laubenthal, Waukee, IA"
In loving memory of
Lorene R. Kollasch
March 3, 1928 - September 1, 2017
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Lorene's name to St. Michael's Parish Center or the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, WI.
Lorene R. (Becker) Kollasch was born March 3, 1928 in Burt, Iowa. She was the daughter of Mathew and Justine (Bormann) Becker. She grew up and attended schools near Wesley, Iowa. She met the love of her life, Arnold Kollasch, on the dance floor and they married a year later on January 4, 1949. They moved to a farm near Whittemore, Iowa where they farmed and raised their family. They spent the next 67 years in perfect step.
Lorene loved being a mother and farm wife. She was a lifelong learner - never one to shy away from a new challenge. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, gardener and baker. She enjoyed volunteering at church and school and was a member of Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters of America. In later years she enjoyed nothing more than an afternoon of Bridge or 500. However, her greatest love was her eight children, 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
Lorene died Friday, September 1, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Algona, Iowa. She was 89 years old.
She is survived by her children Luke (Debra) Kollasch of Morristown, NJ, Stacy (Chris) Cahalan, Charles, Stella and Cooper, Kara (Dustin) Bahnsen, Anna, Allie, Andrew and Alivia, Christina (Patrick) Strand, Porter, Gunnar and Crew; Linda (Ron) Bodien of Clear Lake, Patrick (Ellen) Bodien, Dov and Noemma; Anna (Mo) Fickbohm of West Bend, Jenny (Cale) Banning, Lucy and Jack, Sarah (Aaron) Washabaugh, Aiden and Liam, Kate (John) Lockwood, Henry; Joan (Kurt) Hohmeister of Clear Lake, Elizabeth and Anna; Carol (Brian) Grannon of Fort Dodge, Holly (Jeff) Sinkler, Jackson, Avery and Addison, Ben (Kate) Grannon; Charles (Sara) Kollasch of Algona, Jenna (David) Doxtad, Louis and Sophia, Matthew (Hilary) Kollasch, Charles and Meredee; Mary (Neill) Marshall of Coppell, TX, Katherine, Mary-Kate and Sam.
Also surviving are siblings; Rosemary Vaske, Harold (Theresa) Becker, Mark (Mary) Becker, Betty (Vernon) Berte, Norma (Don) Reding, Robert (Mary Carol) Becker, Patricia Baumann, Marge Brcka, Joyce Wagner and Jane (Don) Potthoff and many other brothers and sister-in-laws and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arnold on December 25, 2016, infant daughter, Madonna and brothers, Frank Becker, Alvin Becker and sister, Delores Augustine.
Tributes
"Never had the honor of meeting Lorene but I do know she raised the most generous compassionate son named Luke and amazing family. Good job Lorene. Sending love and prayers to all and especially my dear friends Luke and Debra. God bless you, love from Roxie Hebert in Dallas, Texas"
"My deepest sympathies at the passing of your Mom. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs."
"My deepest sympathies to the family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon"
"I loved being part of her life if only for a short time. She was truly a kind loving lady. She will be missed. DyAnn Aaron "
"Jack and I are so sorry for your loss, Joan. Prayers for strength and comfort for your family. Jack & Twylla Baker "
"Sending my deepest sympathy to your family during this time. I know that you have so many wonderful memories that will help see you through the grief you are experiencing right now. I will keep your family close in prayer. Stephanie Sullivan and family"
"I am so sorry for your loss, I send my prayers to all through this difficult time Lorene was a very special, she enjoyed it when her daughter's came to vist, and grand children came and her sisters, she always had a twinkle her eye. She will missed. But her love for all will always be in our hearts."