Wayne "Mike" Kolbus

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Wayne “Mike” Kolbus, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, who left us peacefully on July 12, 2025.

Born on January 25, 1940 to Ted and Marie Kolbus who preceded him in death along with his brother Bob. Mike was a proud Eastside Indianapolis native who grew up with strong Catholic roots which continued throughout his life. He graduated from Little Flower School and was part of Scecina Memorial High School’s second graduating class in 1958. He went on to earn both his Bachelors and Masters in Business from Xavier University, proudly supporting the Musketeers throughout his life.

In 1962, Mike married the love of his life, Eleanor (Luthman), and together they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, family and community. They raised four children — Mark, Tim, Jeff, and Carol (Czaplicki) — in a home filled with love, laughter, and support. Mike was the kind of father who showed up — cheering from the sidelines, coaching little league baseball and basketball for over 20 years, and making sure his kids and grandkids always knew he was proud of them.

Professionally, Mike was a trailblazer — one of the youngest materials control managers at International Harvester in the 1960’s and 70’s. He later became co-owner of Capitol Supplies for 25 years and later acquired A Taste of Indiana with Eleanor, celebrating the local products and spirit of the Hoosier state.

Mike lived his Catholic faith through active service in the church and community — from chairing the Holy Spirit Festival to founding the Scecina Reverse Raffle, a beloved tradition still going strong. He and Eleanor gave generously to causes close to his heart, especially Holy Spirit, Scecina Memorial, and CYO. He was awarded the CYO St John Bosco Award, the MSGR Albert Busald CYO Service Award, Scecina’s Outstanding Alumni Award, and the CYO Circle of Youth Club for his many hours of volunteer work.

To know Mike was to know joy. Whether he was on a fishing trip in Canada, playing poker with lifelong friends, traveling the world with Eleanor and their siblings and friends, or relaxing at Sweetwater Lake, he brought humor, energy, and heart to every gathering. He loved the family’s Polish traditions, Xavier basketball, music, and time spent at the casinos. Holidays were sacred — Memorial Day weekends, Thanksgiving, and Christmas filled the calendar with meaning and memories.

Mike never met a stranger, and once you were in his circle, you were family. He was especially proud of his role as “Papa” faithfully attending games, graduations, and every milestone of the next generations. Eleanor and Mike also loved hosting a week-long Mimi and Papa Summer Camp for their grandchildren in their younger years.

He was a man of great stories, an even greater smile, and an endless devotion to the people he loved most. Mike’s appreciation and understanding for the best in everyone inspired us to be better. He believed deeply that anyone can have a weak moment and he’d be there to help. He’ll live on with our memories of his love, affection, guidance, and empathy.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Eleanor; his children Mark (Lori), Tim (Kris), Jeff (Wendy), and Carol (Dave); his grandchildren Michael, Nick, Colin, Ellie, Dylan, Nathan and Matthew who brought him endless pride; his sisters (Kathy and Patty), and countless nieces, nephews, and friends. He is reunited in heaven with cherished family members and friends who welcomed him home with open arms.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 9:30 am. Burial to follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Feeney Hornak Keystone Mortuary on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike’s remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Scecina Memorial High School or Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Indianapolis.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we give thanks for the gift of Mike’s life — a man who loved deeply, served faithfully, and made this world brighter for everyone he encountered.