Geneva Kolbet, 97

Feb. 13, 1925 —

Oct. 29, 2022

 

FORMERLY OF CRESCO - Geneva Grace (White) Kolbet, age 97, of Osage Iowa, and formerly of Cresco Iowa, joined her beloved Paul in heaven on Oct. 29, 2022. 

Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco, with lunch and burial following. Visitation is at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Home, Osage. 

She was born on Feb. 13, 1925, the daughter of Carl White and Lorinda (Birgen) White of Alta Vista Iowa. Geneva married Paul M. Kolbet on May 24, 1944, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. They raised their four children, Kay, Joyce, Kevin and Phil, in Cresco.

Geneva was an active member of the former St. Joseph Parish in Cresco (now Notre Dame) for 61 years, serving as song leader, lector, choir member, sacristan and member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She faithfully led the rosary at wakes whenever there was a need. Geneva also served on the Hospital Auxiliary and was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was on a bowling league, played golf weekly and enjoyed bridge club with friends.

The couple moved to Evergreen Senior Living in Osage in 2005. After Paul died in 2006, Geneva remained at Evergreen another 15 years. Here she found joy and comfort through daily TV Mass, praying the rosary each morning for her family, 500 Club, Bible Study with members of St. Isidore Catholic Community, watching golf, baseball and basketball, playing Yahtzee, doing Word Search Puzzles and writing in her diary. In 2021 she moved to Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. 

Geneva is remembered for her positive spirit and resiliency, gratitude, warm smile and contagious giggle. She treasured every moment with her family. 

Geneva is lovingly remembered by her children, Kay Karrigan of Hainesville Ill., Sister Joyce Kolbet of Mankato Minn. and Kevin (Janean) Kolbet and Phil (Linda) Kolbet of Osage; grandchildren, Michelle and Andy Ptasienski, Kathleen Karrigan, Kyle and Karissa Kolbet, Karen Kolbet, Bradie Kuehne and Jacey and Justin Tuel; great-grandchildren, Joey, Jackson, Abraham, Andersen and Maddux Ptasienski, Kinsley and Kade Kolbet and Walker Tuel; sister-in-law, Pearl White; and many loving White and Kolbet nieces and nephews. 

Greeting her in heaven were her husband, Paul; brother, Roland White; son-in-law, Michael Karrigan; and all her Kolbet in-laws.