Jeffrey Ben Kolbe was born to Ben and Sally (Remter) Kolbe on April 6, 1961 and died on May 1, 2016 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 55.
Jeff was baptized on April 23, 1961 and was confirmed on April 13, 1975, both at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dixon, SD and was a current member of St John’s Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD. Jeff started school in August of 1967 as a 1st grader at Dixon School #57. In April of 1968 he moved with his family to Portland, Oregon and attended 2nd and 3rd grade. His family then moved back to Dixon and finished his elementary education at Dixon School. Jeff graduated from Gregory High School in 1979. In 1981 he graduated with High Honors from the University of SD at Springfield with a diesel mechanic degree.
Jeff lived in the Dixon area his entire adult life farming and custom combining for many years until his arthritis and scleroderma limited his activity. He was very gifted in the field of mechanics and worked on numerous machines. Jeff spent the last five years in a wheel chair with very limited movement. Even from his wheel chair he advised people how to repair and build machinery. Jeff’s sister, Natalie, cared for him for nearly four years with his parents caring for him for the last months of his life. He never complained about his health and had a positive attitude.
Jeff enjoyed vacationing. He visited the Dominican Republic, South Carolina, Florida, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other places with many of his friends. Jeff liked to hunt and was an avid gun enthusiast. As many people know, he could throw a heck of a party and DJ’d for many dances, weddings, and reunions. Jeff worked for many years at Frank Day’s Bar in Dallas, SD. He also enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and was a lucky poker player. He was a fun person to be around.
Jeff was married and had one daughter, Katie Kolbe. Jeff was especially proud of his daughter and grandson, Kenyon.
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