Elizabeth Kolbe

December 25, 2006

Elizabeth L Keprta Kolbe, daughter of Mary Tasler and Joseph Keprta, was born February 16, 1914 near Yale and passed away December 25, 2006 at the age of 92. Elizabeth was living independently in her own home and still driving just prior to her death. Elizabeth was raised in the Yale area with two sisters. After her mother’s death she gained three stepbrothers and 2 stepsisters. On March 11, 1933 Elizabeth married Frank Richard Kolbe and they established their home on a farm between Bagley and Yale. To this loving union was born three children, Helen, Dorthy who died at age nine and Frankie (Sonny). Frank and Elizabeth retired from the farm and moved to Bagley in 1969. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, on December 26, 1977; and daughter Dorthy in 1946; two sisters Erma Dvorak and Josephine Cabelka; three stepbrothers-Carl, Konrad, and Lloyd, two stepsisters Bessie and Sylva. She is survived by a daughter, Helen Pohl and husband Clark of Panora; son, Sonny Kolbe and wife Judy of Bagley; grandchildren Kathy Pohl and John Nadeau of Scottsdale, AZ; Kristi Sutherland and husband Ron of Ankeny; David Pohl and wife Karen of Overland Park, KS; Donna Meyer and husband Jason of Yale; great-grandchildren Cassi and Daniel Sutherland, and Jessica, Justin, and Ryan Pohl. All her life she loved to bake and share with others. For many years she made communion bread for the Methodist members and helped with all the church activities. She enjoyed country music, polkas, flowers and her garden. Farming was a permanent part of her life even after moving to Bagley. She walked beans, rode in the combine and picked up rocks in the field. Every summer she enjoyed watching young calves from Sonny and Judy’s farm in the pasture behind her home. Saturday evening would find her at home watching Lawrence Welk – even the reruns! More than anything, Elizabeth loved her family. She was the heart of the Kolbe home, always striving to comfort through delicious meals, a welcoming home, beautiful flower gardens and holidays made special because of her efforts. Elizabeth was a good neighbor and friend to so many and always had a helpful spirit to those in need. Elizabeth treasured her life-long friends and enjoyed their phone calls, letters and visits. Our family will remember her for all the love she gave us and all those around her. She softened the hard edges of life for us and we are all changed forever by the life she shared so sweetly and courageously with us. Memorial services will be held at the Bagley United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 28, 2006. Elizabeth will be laid to rest beside her husband and daughter at the Brethren Church Cemetery near in Panora. Memorials may be made in her name to the Bagley Emergency Medical Services or the Bagley United Methodist Church.