Gerald K. Kolbo

Gerald “Jerry” K. Kolbo, 67, of Norwalk, went to his Heavenly home on Friday, May 29, 2026.  He was a patient at Mayo Clinic Health System in Sparta for a short time.  He was born on April 17, 1959 to Donna (Axelsen) (Kolbo) Heilman and Orlin Kolbo in Sparta, WI. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1977.

He was an active member of the Monroe County Tavern League for many years, and a proud member of the Norwalk Lions Club. He was also honored to provide trumpet services for many military funerals.

He bartended for many years at The Place in Norwalk, WI and operated his own Limo service. He also worked at a variety of other businesses in the area.

Jerry is survived by his step father, Donald Heilman; sisters, Barb Burnham (Don Hemmersbach), Laurie (Gary) Leis; brothers, Dave (Polly) Kolbo, Scott Kolbo (Beth Helgesen), Don (Christa) Heilman; nieces and nephews, Christy (Cole) Storandt, Jill (Jake) Iverson, Garrett Burnham, Ryan Kolbo, Stacey (Nate) Zwiefel, Danny Kolbo (Heidi Hegren), Courtney (Travis) Cunningham, Cheyenne Kolbo, Brittany (Alex) Parsons, Brandon Heilman, Brent Heilman, Ashley (Mike) Harrison, Jeremy Leis (Michelle McGuire), Stephanie (Dillan) Klinkner, Cody Leis, and many great, and great–great nieces and nephews.

Jerry is also survived by his dear aunts and uncles and numerous cousins; beloved friends, Doug and Liz Sullivan, Rod and Lynn Calhoun, Lori and Todd Ripley, Danita and Virgil Schmitz, Mike Rapp and Linda Organ, Mike and Marcy Donskey and many other wonderful friends who blessed his life.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna (Axelsen) Heilman; father, Orlin Kolbo; brother-in-law, Alan Burnham; and nephew, Shawn Kolbo.

Jerry loved being around people laughing, and joking around. He also loved sharing his musical talents by singing and playing his trumpet and accordion. He was known for his colorful attire, outgoing personality and zest for life.  Jerry also had a deep faith and lived a life of service.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta, with Father Matthew Bowe officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon following at the Sparta American Legion Post 100.

A visitation will be held from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta, and from 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Thursday at the church.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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