Zelpha Mae Kohlts

Zelpha was born in Bruno, MN to Lloyd and Ella (Demaris) Seger on April 30, 1914. She moved with her family to Duluth at a young age and attended schools in the area. After school she spent several years helping her mother with her boarding house. She was united in marriage to Harry A. Kohlts on December 21, 1940. After they raised their family, Zelpha and Harry embarked on many camping trips throughout the United States. After Harry's death in 1979, Zelpha became very involved with her church, Westminster Presbyterian.

She was an avid reader, especially mystery novels. She spent countless hours sewing, knitting and cross-stitching as well as cooking and baking. Zelpha carried on a tradition of Sunday afternoon family get-togethers which always featured one of her delicious pies. She was a compassionate and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had a generous nature and profound love for her family. She will be forever missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; brother, Lester; sister, Dorothy Tierney and infant grand-daughter, Lori.

Zelpha is survived by her daughter Sharon Brackett of Hermantown; son, Bill (Darlene) Kohlts of Duluth; grandchildren, Torrey (Shari) Brackett of Sierra Vista, AZ, Terry (Jeneane) Brackett of Harris, MN, Tracy (Michael) Colclough of Duluth, Darcy Thomas of Horace, ND, Sherry Kozelka of Duluth, Brandon (Leah) Kohlts of Duluth; 9 great-grandchildren, Nick, Alex, Maeve, Liam, Kaden, Delana, Max, Samantha, Lillie; brother-in-law, Mike Kohlts of Duluth as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Edgewood Vista and St. Mary's Hospice for her care.

Funeral service will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home 601 N. 56th Ave. W. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oneota Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bell Brothers Funeral Home 624-5745