To view a livestream of Bill's service click or paste this link into your web browser:

http://www.vincentumc.com/?page_id=23#Livestream

William 'Bill' Kolb , 83, Sun City, AZ, formerly of Minot, died Monday, July 20, 2020 in a Sun City, AZ hospital.

William L. (Bill) Kolb was born on May 7, 1937 in Sumter, South Carolina to William L. & Allie L. (Coleman) Kolb. He was a 1955 graduate of Edmunds High School in Sumter.  As a young boy, he loved baseball and this love continued into college at Florida State University. He was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955 and played in their Triple A League.

Bill joined the US Air Force in 1957 and was stationed in Japan and Iwo Jima before coming to Minot AFB. It was here that he met his future wife Marion Sullivan of Velva, ND. They were married on December 6, 1959 in North Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Velva. Bill may have been born a southern gentleman, but he always considered Minot home, even after moving to Arizona in 2010. His military career took them to South Carolina, Florida, Germany and back to North Dakota where he retired from the Air Force in 1978 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Bill also spent a 13 month tour in Viet Nam in 1968-1969. Following his military retirement, he began a career in banking at Bremer Bank in Minot as HR Director and Director of Marketing. He retired from there in 1995.

Bill spent his years in Minot involved in many organizations, committees and positions of leadership including the Chamber of Commerce Honorary Commanders Program, Domestic Violence Crisis Center Board of Directors, City of Minot Civil Service Commission, American Legion Baseball fundraising and Vincent United Methodist Church. He was so very proud of the Medal of Honor Memorial in Roosevelt Park as he chaired the fundraising committee for the project. He was a popular after-dinner speaker throughout his years in Minot as well as speaking and emceeing at many patriotic events. He also emceed the Nodakords (barbershop chorus) events for many years. After moving to Arizona, Bill continued his love of baseball by volunteering, along with Marion, as an usher during Spring Training games at Surprise Stadium.

God and family always came first in Bill's life. His faith was the most important part of his life and Lakeview United Methodist Church in Sun City continued to meet that need in every way. His love of family was unmatched and will be missed in so many ways. Bill (Papa) is best remembered by his children and grandchildren for his unwavering and unconditional love and support. His hugs will be greatly missed and he never ended a phone call with them without saying I love you. He was a true patriot for his country, a faithful servant in his church and a charismatic friend to many people. His sense of humor was a joy. He had adopted a saying several years ago that he used often – "I'm so glad you got to see me today." Our prayer is that today God is saying, "Bill, I'm glad you got to see me today."

Bill is survived by his wife Marion of 60 years, his daughter Kelly (David) Thom of Surrey and his son Michael (Tracy Vigness) Kolb of Bismarck. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Erik Kolb, Evan Hobbs and McKayla Kolb; two step-granddaughters Jessie (Anthony) Shepherd and Elizabeth Thom; three step great-granddaughters Brynn, Kinley and Lainey Shepherd. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth (Robert) Kelley; half-sister Marcia Kolb, both of South Carolina, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Irene Kolb, half-sister Vanessa Kolb, father- and mother-in-law Archie and Mildred Sullivan and brothers-in-law Jerry and Richard Sullivan.

Public Celebration of Bill's Life: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot. A live stream of the service can be found at http://www.vincentumc.com/?page_id=23#Livestream
Public Graveside Service with military honors:  12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2020 in the Veterans Section (28) of Rosehill Memorial Park.
Public Visistation:  Wednesday, July 29, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot, Lakeview United Methodist Church in Sun City, a charity or organization of your choice.

Bill Kolb Flowers