Darrell A. Kolb

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Darrell A. Kolb, 203 Mill Street, Fox Lake, Wisconsin, who passed away on September 18, 2023, at the age of 91.

Mr. Kolb was born January 31, 1932, in West DePere, the son of Anthony and Pearl (Spear) Kolb. He graduated from Nicolet High School, West DePere in 1950 and served in the U.S. Marines from 1950-52. He married Colleen F. Killoran on August 5, 1961, in Green Bay. Together they raised three children with whom they enjoyed trips to Florida, family gatherings in Fox Lake and at the cabin in Lakewood, WI.

Darrell enjoyed a great 37-year career with the Department of Corrections. He began his career as an officer at the Wisconsin State Prison in Waupun and WI State Reformatory in Green Bay and as a Lieutenant at the Fox Lake Correctional Institution. He steadily moved up the ladder of promotion to Captain, Security Director of Prisons, Deputy Director of Prisons, and Director of Prisons in Madison and Warden of Waupun and Fox Lake Prisons. He received the prestigious Sanger B. Powers Award for Excellence in Corrections, 1992. He was also honored by having the Darrell A. Kolb Weapons and Training Center (Kolb Center) dedicated to him.

Mr. Kolb had an interesting and active career during which he had to contend with much unrest and riots in the prison system. He was recognized for his efforts by Governors: Schreiber, Earl and Thompson for his successful handling of extremely difficult situations during uprisings in the institutions.

He was Post Commander of Legion Post 521, City Alderman of Fox Lake, Cub Scout Leader, and an avid Packer fan. He loved working in his large backyard garden with his wife Colleen. After retirement, Darrell and Colleen enjoyed spending winter months in Bradenton, Florida. Darrell was a great dad and grandfather and deeply respected by his family and friends. His children and grandchildren were touched by his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering love.

Survivors include children and their spouses, Diane Haase, Sharon Kolb (Britta Johnson), Tony Kolb (Jennie), Julie (Scott) Gramoll; grandchildren, Allie Synott (Brad), Drew Fakes, Kelly Kolb-Johnson (Alvaro Gomez), Lexi Kolb, Shelby Kolb-Johnson, Molly Gramoll and Sara Gramoll; a brother, Lloyd Kolb; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Colleen, his parents, his sister Ruby Ahasay, and brothers Donald, Jerome, William, and Eugene. A special heartfelt thank you to all of dad’s Fox Lake friends who stopped by to chat and support him.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29th, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. at the Annunciation Catholic Church, 305 Green Street, Fox Lake, WI 53933. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. and Military Honors will follow the mass.

Lunch will be served at the American Legion in Fox Lake immediately following the service.

The burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in De Pere, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.