Kenneth P. Kolander

If you were unable to attend Ken's funeral service in person, you may view it here now:

Ken Kolander's Christian Funeral Service

Through the redemption we have in Christ Jesus, God welcomed his faithful servant, Kenneth Paul Kolander to his eternal home on January 29, 2025 at the age of 96 years and 6 days.

Ken was born on January 23, 1929 in Waterloo, Wisconsin to Paul and Meta (nee Frank) Kolander, the second of three boys. He became a child of God in baptism on February 7, 1929 and confirmed in the faith on May 10, 1942 at St. John Lutheran Church in Waterloo.

After attending Northwestern Preparatory School and Martin Luther Academy, he graduated with a teaching degree from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1949. His first assignment was teaching at St. Jacobi Lutheran School in Milwaukee. In 1959 he accepted the call to be principal at St. Jacobi and continued in that role for 10 years.

In 1969, Ken accepted the call to start a school for Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wisconsin. The school opened in 1970 with Ken as principal and 3 other teachers, and the school still thrives today. Ken continued as principal through 1988 when a stroke caused a leave of absence. But in 1989 he accepted the call to teach at Mount Olive until his retirement in 1996.

Ken had many talents which he used in service to the church. He played organ for worship services, directed the choir, and was a soloist at weddings and funerals. Most of all he was considerate and discerning in his dealings with others.

During his time at St. Jacobi, Ken met and married Arline (nee Lunow) and would have celebrated 67 years together in April 2025. The couple had four children: John (Anna), Kathy, Donald and David. They also were close to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kurt, Amber, Rowen, Levi and Mollie Kolander; Pastor Paul, Laura, Liesel, Alice, Pearl and Otto Kolander; Meta, Nathan, Ralph, Riley, Benjamin, and Maelynn Rosenberg; and Sarah, Michael and Emma Reynolds.

He is survived by a sister-in-law, Sally Lunow; nephews Todd Lunow and Kurt Kolander; niece Lynn Delohery (nee Kolander); as well as many cousins and other relatives.

Ken loved to fish. He taught his wife, kids, grandkids, and most of his great-grandchildren to fish on summer vacations up-north. He also loved to do crossword puzzles, grow (and eat) raspberries and pears, and, in later years, play games on his iPad.

Ken lived a long, healthy life up until recent months. He knew his Savior and was anxiously looking forward to meeting Him. 

Ken’s confirmation passage summarized his life here on earth:

Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it. Luke 11:28

The Christian Funeral Service for Ken will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 9:30 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton, with Rev. Robert Raasch officiating. Private burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be held directly at the church on Thursday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family requests any memorials be given to Mount Olive Lutheran School, Fox Valley Lutheran High School or the WELS school of your choice.