Jack Kolb, an icon in the
Minnesota golf turf industry, passed away on July 10, in an outpatient
Hospice Home in St. Cloud, MN. His family was at his side and he went
peacefully. The following is an excerpt from the January 1991 Hole
Notes magazine that highlighted Jack's carrier as a recipient of the
Distinguished Service Award.
"When Jack Kolb was
graduated from high school in 1941, the United States was preparing for
war. There was little time to plan a career, so Jack left a job as a
Wisconsin cheesemaker near Green Bay and took up work as a shipfitter,
building submarines at Manitowoc, Wis. In 1942 Jack was drafted into the
Navy and was trained as a torpedoman with the Pacific Submarine Command.
Most of his Navy career was spent on Midway Island.
Upon discharge, he enrolled
at the University of Minnesota, intent on being a forester; however, he
felt that a certain dark-eyed young lady was not about to be a homemaker in
a cabin deep in the woods. So, after a change in majors, and 240 credits
later, he was graduated with a degree in Plant Industry.
Jack's first job was as a
fertilizer salesman with the old Farm Bureau Service Company in 1950. In
1953, Jack was hired by Dr. James Watson and went to work for the Toro
company as an agronomist. After a few years and because the pay was better,
Jack became golf course superintendent with The Minikahda Club. After
10 years at Minikahda, he moved to Minneapolis Golf Club for a few more
seasons. During this time he evaluated the turf industry and the idea of
Turf Supply Company was conceived.
Jack left Minneapolis Golf
Club on Dec. 31, 1969. Turf Supply Company was born the next day. Not one
sale was recorded for the first three months of its existence. During this
time his wife, Rajah, and five children under 11 years of age operated on a
very low budget. Eventually, the business grew, and the next 21 years saw
many new innovations in marketing. One of Jack's hobbies was
writing. Several of his articles were published in the old Golfdom
magazine. One of his treasured letters is a four-page document from Herb
Graff is, editor of Golfdom, commending Jack for his approach on the golf
course superintendent's role in the golf industry."
Mr. Kolb mentored many
aspiring turf professionals and will be remembered as a strong leader of
the industry.
He was a devoted husband, a
loving father, and an excellent role model to his grandchildren.
His generous spirit lead to his widespread involvement in the
community to include: The Serra Club, The Knights of Columbus, and his
parish community of St. Joseph's in West St. Paul, to name a few.
Jack is survived by
his loving wife of 62 years, Rajah, and their five children
Michael Kolb, Dekalb, IL; Melanie Schmidt (Christian), St. Cloud, MN;
David Kolb (Karen),Minnetrista, MN; John Kolb (Susan), St. Cloud, MN; and
Amelia Daniels (Richard), Eau Claire, WI. He is also survived by 17
grandchildren, his brother, James, sister, Margaret and many dear friends
and relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents Conrad and Ruth Kolb
and his sister Alice.
The family would like to
thank Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Augusta, MN and the staff at St.
Benedict's Senior Center in St. Cloud, MN for their loving care and
support.
A visitation will be held
Sunday, July 14 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Klecatsky and Sons Funeral
Home in West St. Paul. A mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 am on
Monday,July 15, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in West St. Paul.
Friends and relatives may call one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials are preferred to
donor's choice.
More information about Mr.
Kolb can also be found at:
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