Myrtle Kolb

Exceptional, devoted, selfless, and welcoming are just a few words that describe Grannie. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those lives she touched; and she will be remembered as someone who was always active and generous of her time. Grannie found true happiness in caring for others.

Myrtle was born January 12th 1926, in the Town of Easton, to the late William and Celia (Klueckmann) Kalinke. She attended Sunrise School – Town of Easton and graduated from Wausau East High School. She then attended Wausau Business College for a year. On September 23rd 1944, she was united in marriage to Robert J. Kolb at Zion Lutheran Church – Town of Easton, where she had been baptized and confirmed. Together they raised their two daughters and shared 44 years of marriage before Robert's unexpected death in 1988. Traveling was a big part of Myrtle's life and it was important that her daughter, Judy, visited all 50 states while growing up. Later in life she joined Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, where she was a current member.

Never one to sit still, after retiring from 30 years of serving as office manager at Pepsi Cola, Co., Grannie went on to work in customer service at East Bay for 15 years. Finally, at the age of 80, she retired in 2006. Not only did Grannie stay busy with work, but she was always looking to spend time with her two beloved grandsons, Brent and Rob. She made sure they were well taken care of and even reached out to their friends, occasionally dropping in to do some laundry, clean, or cook a wonderful meal. Myrtle was "Grannie" to everyone who knew her.

Up until a few months ago, Grannie could be found mowing the lawn, shoveling the snow, raking the leaves at her property in Tomahawk, and entertaining guests. Even though Grannie's health declined quickly, she always maintained her sense of independence and spirit of caring for all.

She remained in her home until August, when she moved to Mt. View. There she enjoyed the daily visits from her daughter, Judy, grandsons and other family and friends. Grannie was especially looking forward to becoming a great-grandma this summer.

Myrtle "Grannie" D. Kolb, died January 4th 2012, at Mt. View Care Center. She was 85 years old.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Judy (Bruce) Zastrow, Merrill; 2 grandsons, Brent Zastrow and Rob Zastrow, both of Wausau; brother, Wilbur Kalinke, Tomahawk; sister, Eunice Udick, Lakeland, FL; sisters-in-law, Joyce Brandenberg, Ohio, and Lavern Kalinke, Wausau; many nieces and nephews; and countless other family members and friends.

Along with her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Lyndel; 2 brothers, George and Edward; and brother-in-law, Bruce Kolb.

A celebration of Myrtle's life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 7th, at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Family will receive guests on Saturday, at the funeral home, beginning at noon until the time of service. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Easton, in Spring 2012.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wausau Humane Society.