James Kolar

James Kolar, 97, longtime resident of Moses Lake, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007.

James was born in Milligan, Neb., Dec. 23, 1909, the oldest of six brothers and two sisters. During his working years, he had several jobs - he worked for Boeing during the second world war, owned and operated two gas stations and car repair shops. Then he had a job at a Moses Lake lumberyard. It was at that job he became interested in building homes and he built houses until he retired.

James' love for travel took him on the road. He made many trips around the U.S.A. Later he and his Harley did a lot of traveling. He was still motorcycling into his 80s.

His later years he did a lot of gardening. He believed in exercise and rode his three-wheel bicycle just about every day. He enjoyed his family and watching TV. He has resided in the Lakeridge Nursing Home since the fall of 2005.

James is survived by his brothers Karl (Anne) Kolar of Lewistown, Mont., Viktor Kolar of Hobson, Mont., and a sister, Leona Theilman of Lewistown, Mont. James is also survived by his son, James (Donna) Kolar of Eugene, Ore., daughters Faye McKinney of Moses Lake, Elizabeth Pankratz of Rockwood, Tenn., Lucille (Bob) Skjegstad of Roseburg, Ore., Joyce (Walter) Monk of Frostproof, Fla., stepdaughter-in-law Colean Prost of Cle Elum, stepdaughter Lois Murray of Corona, Calif. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-granchildren.

James was preceded in death by his wife Clara in 1961, sons Michael and Charles, and daughter Theresa Hanzlik, second wife Alverta Prost in 1989 and stepson Alfred Prost. Also his mother and father, Mary and Charles Kolar, brothers Luie Kolar, Adolf Kolar, Willie Kolar and a sister, Judith Berg.

We will all miss James greatly and look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.

Memorial service will be at a later date.