Arnold Kolenda, father of SINGING KOLENDA FAMILY, went to Heaven on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, with his wife of 66 years, Charlotte Williams Kolenda, by his side. He is survived by his three daughters, Linda Kuhn (Dr. David Kuhn), Keren Forno (Dr. Christopher Forno), Charlene O’Dea. And is proceeded by his son Arnie Kolenda. His loved grandchildren David (Elisa) Kuhn II, Brooke Kuhn, Christopher (Carrie) Forno ll, Shawn Forno, Cherise Forno, Douglas Clark ll, Amber Clark (Sean) Whitted, his four brothers John, Norman, Robert and Bill Kolenda. Five brothers have preceded him, Louie, Ernie, Roland, Herb, and Daniel Kolenda. He was one of 10 brothers.
Arnold’s life was full, exciting and very devoted to his wife, family and friends.
He was born in Michigan and received a football scholarship to St. Olaf College in Minnesota. Due to traveling and singing with his brothers in a Gospel Quartet he could not receive the scholarship. However, he did play 8 seasons of semi-pro football. He was on Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour, I’ve Got A Secret, and Two for the Money, with his 10 brothers. Arnold served in the Navy in World War II in Norfolk, Va. He was a very successful businessman and one day his boss said, “Arnold, I’m giving you half of the company!” Arnold said, “I’m sorry but I am going to be a minister in Connecticut.” The reply was, “Have you got a mental block?!”
He was an ordained minister with the Potomac District of the Assemblies of God. He pastored in East Hartford Connecticut, taking a church that was closing and bringing it to a place of congregation and property and then he felt he should travel on the road and sing with his family. He brought in a minister he felt could build the church and today it is one of the largest protestant churches in the Northeast.
Traveling with the family in their large Greyhound bus was a full, exciting and rich life. They sang and ministered through Sweden, Europe, Israel, and the United States and entertained the Swedish, American, and Israeli troops. Eleven years and 10 albums later, his daughters were getting married. Arnold then took a pastorate in Florida and built a great church in Winston Park outside Ft. Lauderdale.
In 2010, he moved with his wife, Charlotte, to Costa Mesa, California to be near his daughters and grandchildren. His was a life that touched many. He had a great sense of humor and loved to sing, play bass, and his Hawaiian guitar. He never passed a person that he didn’t talk to and most times when engaged in conversation would start with “Where do you go to church?”
He is forever remembered and loved by his wife Charlotte and his family and friends. He left a wonderful legacy. Every morning he and his wife Charlotte would start the day with morning prayers for every one of their family and many friends and would close their day in the same way. We love you Dad. You have forever left a mark on our lives.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1625 Gisler Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. 714-540-5554. A Military burial will follow.
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