Paul Kurt Kolber

Paul spent his youth in Germany, where he learned to live and be raised in a war-torn country mostly by his mother. His father was drafted in the German army for World War II and separated from his family for 10 years. When the war ended, Paul’s family had the opportunity to return to Brazil because of Paul and his siblings’ Brazilian citizenship. They were able to escape East Germany before the Iron Curtain went up. By this time, he was 18 years of age.

Paul was a quiet man with a caring and unselfish heart. He didn’t enjoy change and preferred a steady routine. However, he left his home country of Brazil in his thirties with the hope of providing an opportunity for a better life for his children one day. It broke his heart to leave family and long-time friends behind to embrace a risky new venture in a land where he couldn’t speak the language, but he bravely set forth with his plans. Paul, his wife, and three small children arrived in the United States on April 6, 1969, with prayers that God would provide and open doors. For many years, Paul worked two jobs five days a week, which only allowed for six hours of sleep, and he accepted every opportunity for overtime work. His unwavering love for his family knew no bounds.

He enjoyed studying the Bible and had a deep faith in God. He also liked watching sports - especially soccer – old sitcoms and westerns, and an occasional game show. But when his grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren, entered the room, it didn’t matter how interesting the TV program was. He gave his full attention to the children and welcomed them with hugs and smiles. If they wanted to watch something else, he’d hand them the remote control and stay in the room, savoring their presence.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Curt Dalaba; and three siblings, Albert, Rudy, and Lisbeth. The support and love he gave will be forever cherished by his surviving family: his wife, Margarida; children, Margo (Robert) Stiem, Anneliese Dalaba, and Oz Kolber; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and sister, Leni Flatz.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes (DeWitt Chapel), 205 E. Washington St., DeWitt, Sunday from 5-8 p.m. Services will be held at Greater Lansing First, 2717 West Rd., East Lansing, Monday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow services at DeWitt Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be to the: Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) for Paul K. Kolber at; https://giving.ag.org/donate/600001-891166?class=45.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grdewitt.com for the Kolber family.