Norman Charles Kohlbeck

Norman Kohlbeck     

October 2, 1935 – May 20, 2021

Norm, family man, devoted spouse, man of faith, and fan of sports, will be missed by those who tenderly loved him.  From his early memories of life on the Michigan farm, to his later days spent with family and close friends, his life was about relationships and simple pleasures.  Hours spent enjoying coffee with friends, going to car shows, holding a baby in his arms; these are what gave him pleasure.  A road trip was never far from his mind, whether for business as an entrepreneur representing manufacturer’s products or a family adventure.

As a member of the United States Air Force, he spent time in the continental U.S., Morocco, and his favorite station, Hawaii.  During that period, he enjoyed driving in convertibles, listening to music and joking with fellow soldiers.

Settling in California, he started a family, eventually having four children: Karen, Stephen, Gerald, and Barbara.  From their first home in the Los Angeles area, to the small east-bay town of Dublin, camping, fishing, socializing and work filled his days.  In 1977, the desire to start his own business led the family to Aurora, CO, where he represented the Rocky Mountain region for manufacturers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration products.  In the early 2000s, he sold the company and retired shortly thereafter.

His later years were spent with his wife, Mary, who shared his devotion to the Catholic church, his love for tender moments, and his streak of individuality.  There were still many places left to see on his bucket list, but his life was filled with travels, both close and far.

Norm was preceded in death by his father Edward, mother Alta, and brothers Leon, Harold, Cliff, Bernie (Marie), twin Norbert, and Arthur (Diane).  He is survived by wife Mary Kohlbeck, sister Maryann Kaufman, his first spouse, Joyce, and their daughters Karen and Barbara, sons Stephen (Barbara Donnelly) and Gerald, granddaughter Jessica, stepchildren Alfred, Geraldine, Michael, and Patricia, and his extended family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to TRU Community Care, the hospice organization that provided kindness, comfort, and support throughout his last several weeks, both at home and at their care center.  His last views were from their corner room, of Spring blossoms and snow-capped mountains.  https://www.trucare.org/make-a-donation-to-tru/

Graveside Service will be held on June 7, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area "A"

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