Paul Joseph Kolb of Stratford, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Stratford, where a gathering for family and friends will be from 9:00 am until service time. Rev. Sengole Vethanayagam will officiate. The service will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Town of Eau Pleine, Marathon County, and grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
Paul was born August 19, 1948, in Marshfield, to Paul and Grace (Raeder) Kolb. He attended St. Michael’s Grade School in Hewitt for grades 1-8 and graduated from Columbus High School in 1966. Paul married Ellen Strigel on July 18, 1970, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburndale. Paul and Ellen built their life and raised their beloved family in Stratford. Paul was the proud father to Mark, Tom and Cindi, and loved his seven grandchildren with all of his heart. His sense of humor, generosity, kindness and love of family and faith was apparent in the way he lived each day.
Paul had a passion and talent for wood carving, with a special gift for chainsaw carving. He was fortunate to be working on a new carving project right up until the end of his life. He loved going to carving shows around the state as well as attending many car shows, especially the Iola car show with his brother, Jerry. On an average day, he could be found enjoying episodes of Gunsmoke, driving around town, eating a “decent” meal, visiting friends and stepping in to offer a helping hand to those in need. In the summer, he could often be found working in the garden, especially tending to his beloved kohlrabi plants. Paul was a man of deep faith.
Paul worked for Weyerhaeuser for 20 plus years and then spent many years driving forklift at Stratford Homes, until he finished his working career as a custodian for Stratford High School.
Paul is survived by his wife, Ellen of nearly 55 years and his children, Mark (AnnMarie) Kolb of Brown Deer and their children Emily, Levi and Selma; Tom Kolb of Stratford and his son Matthew; Cindi (CJ) Rutten of Stillwater, MN and their children Abram, Stella and Miles; sister Cathie Thieme; brother Pete Kolb; in-laws: Shirley Kolb, Gene and Delores Huser, Gene and Judy Strigel, Don and Kathy Peters, former daughter-in-law Julie Kolb, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Paul is predeceased by his parents Paul and Grace Kolb; brothers: Gerald (Gertie) Kolb, Dennis Kolb, Vernon Kolb and sister Marianna (Roger) Gennett; sister-in-Law: Diane Peters; brother-in-law: Giles Thieme; in-laws Fritz and Agnes Strigel.
Donations may be given to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Stratford and Stratford Area Fire Department.
Special Thanks to the Stratford Area Fire Department and Marshfield Medical ICU staff.
Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com
