Bernard "Bernie" Kolar

Bernard John Kolar passed away peacefully from this life surrounded by his loving family on June 15, 2020. He was born on June 9, 1928 to Loy and Mary Kolar in Kinney, MN. Bernie and his beloved wife Mary raised their six children in Duluth, MN. Bernie was a humble man and requested that his obituary be no longer than 3 inches, which is difficult to do for a man who lived each of his 92 years so fully and so well. His faith, family, and friends were the cornerstones of his life and he touched so many with his kindness and generosity of spirit. Whether it was time spent hosting family gatherings or fishing with family and friends, Bernie lived a life of intention and purpose. For nearly a decade, Bernie’s greatest passion was fundraising for and supporting the Women’s Care Center. As we write this, we cannot help but smile thinking of his enthusiasm and zest for life. He was our family’s rock and our prayer warrior and will be dearly missed. Bernie wanted to be remembered as “a good husband, a good father, and a good man,” but we know he was extraordinary.

He was preceded in death by his parents Loy and Mary, his brother Joe, and his wife Mary. He is survived by his sister MaryAnn (Robert) Gehr; his children, John (Teresa) Kolar, Susan (Doug) Breiland, Cathy (Tom) Kolar, Nancy (Bruce) Minea, Anne (John) Hansen, Peter (Tracey) Kolar; his grandchildren Christine Breiland, Doug Breiland, Lindsey Martinson, Lisa Hoffman, Alison Kolar, Tom Kolar, Peter Hansen, Nicholas Hansen, Brenna Kolar, Abby Hansen, Matthew Minea, Bernie Kolar, Joseph Kolar, Daniel Minea, Jack Kolar, 14 great grandchildren, and special friend Kathleen Kelly.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to:

Women’s Care Center, 103 East First Street Duluth, MN 55802
Kid’s Closet, 2431 West 3rd Street, Duluth, MN 55806
Damiano Center/Kids’ Kitchen, 206 West 4th Street, Duluth, MN 55806

A Private Mass of Christian Burial was previously held.  Burial and Military Honors were at Calvary Cemetery.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth MN 218-727-3555.