Janet Mae Kolbe

Janet Mae Kolbe (Nelson) -Passed away after a lingering illness on Thursday, November 26, 2009, at age 73. She was born in Muskegon, MI, to Frank and Ida Mae (Ericksen) Nelson on June 23, 1936. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Donald R. Kolbe; three children, JuliAnn Kolbe of Marshall, MI, Karen Kolbe of Pleasant Lake, and Steven (Mary) Kolbe of Pleasant Lake; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Elaine M. Feil of Atlanta, Georgia and Carol J. (Rodney) Priest of Muskegon, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Frank LaVern and Irene E. Nelson, and sister and brother-in-law, Betty A. and Walt M. Love. Janet graduated from Muskegon Sr. High School. Don and Janet lived in Chicago, Bloomington, IN and Fort Wayne, IN before settling in Jackson County in 1960. She retired from Comerica Bank (formerly The National Bank of Jackson) and chartered a retiree group from the bank. She was a graduate of Jackson Community College. She held a rating Certified Professional Secretary (CPS). While living in Parma Village for many years, she served as Parma Village Trustee for nine years. Janet was a member of the Jackson Scandinavian American Society and was proud of her Scandinavian heritage. Janet was active in the Hot Air Jubilee for over 16 years and in other balloon events in the Midwest. She was also a member of The Sage Society. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Jackson and supported Trinity Lutheran School. Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 am on Monday, November 30, 2009 with Pastor Doug Krengel officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Private family burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home406 First StreetJackson, MI 49201(517) 782-0591