Joseph M. "Buddy" Kolkema III, 72, of West Bend, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at his residence.
He was born on May 29, 1934 in West Bend to the late Joseph and Mable (nee Maaske) Kolkema, Jr. At the age of 17, Joe followed in his father's footsteps and went to work at West Bend Equipment Company. He then entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served in Korea. Upon returning from the service, he continued his employment at West Bend Equipment Company. On June 22, 1957 Joe was united in marriage to Jean Schanen at St. Mary's Church in Port Washington. In 1997 Joe retired as Plant Superintendent and Purchasing Agent from West Bend Equipment Company. He then worked part-time as a security guard at St. Joseph's Community Hospital in West Bend.
Joe was a life member of VFW Post #1393 and Moose Lodge #1398 in West Bend. He was involved in starting Boy Scout Troop #762 at the Moose Lodge and was very active as a scout leader for many years. He also enjoyed the outdoors and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; five children, Sue (Keith) Stollenwerk of Milwaukee, Cindy (Calvin) Kolkema-Berndt of Shiocton, Debbie (Brian) Schmitt of West Bend, Bruce (fiancAC.e Jennifer Roberts) Kolkema of Lincoln, MO, and Scott (Karen) Kolkema of West Bend; ten grandchildren, Anita Stollenwerk, Doug (Kimberly) Stollenwerk, Chad Stollenwerk, Christopher Kolkema, Cody Berndt, Calvin Berndt, Jr., Cailey Berndt, Carrie Jo Schaub, Pacey Kolkema, and Owen Kolkema; eight sisters, Betty Jean (Eugene) Thelen of Grafton, Mary Ann Barsch of Grafton, Gladys (Kenneth) Troedel of West Bend, Donna Mae (Herbert) Timmermann of Kewaskum, Joyce (Kenneth) Endlich of West Bend, Kathrine Bakes of West Bend, Dorothy (Gary) Kittel of Florida, and Sandra (Roger) Mayhew of Fredonia; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, 6th Ave. and Decorah Rd., West Bend. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services. Cremation will follow at Myrhum - Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, West Bend.