Louis Edward “Louie” Kolb, 56, of La Grande, a former Baker City resident, died April 18, 2006, at Boardman.
His funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1250 Hughes Lane. Pastor Kirk Sager will officiate. After the service, friends are invited to join the family for a reception at the Baker Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St.
Louie, Baker Valley’s version of Sam Elliott, was born at Baker City on Dec. 8, 1949, to George W. Kolb Sr. and Juanita A. Errend Kolb. He attended Baker Valley Schools and never met a teacher smarter than him!
Louie never met a stranger. Louie’s good nature and loving spirit were well known by everyone. He always loved to make people laugh and he always made sure that everyone was treated fairly.
Louie was an avid sportsman, hunter and fisherman with a great love of life. His greatest joy was the beauty of the outdoors and camping trips with his family and friends. The more the merrier. Louie’s work life ranged from millwork, ranching, logging, trucking, and owning his own business for many years. He put his heart and soul into everything he did, “until hunting season.” The only thing he loved more (yes, more than hunting) was the life he shared with Darla.
“Louie was loved by many, will be missed by all, and never forgotten; nor will the survival skills he taught us all,” his family members said. “Family, friends, hunting and fishing. That’s life!”
Survivors include his wife and soulmate, Darla; five children and their spouses, Lisa Marie DelCurto Kolb, Mary P. Kolb, Crystal and Gabe Hernandez, Luke A. Kolb, and Kody L. Kolb; brothers, Bill Kolb and David Kolb (Bei Jiang); sisters, Becky Corning and Debbie (Jim) Treutle; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Beth Errend; and an infant sister, Catherine L. Kolb.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Powder River Sportsman Club’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge Program through Gray’s West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, April 21, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor