(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Gary James Kolkau, age 71, of Silver Lake, Wisconsin, passed away on April 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Bensonville. He spent most of his adult life in Trevor, Wisconsin, in the home he designed and built with the help of family and friends.
Gary was an entrepreneur who owned and operated several businesses, including Gary’s Autobody and Decks Plus Construction. A skilled carpenter and craftsman, he took great pride in creating things that were both functional and beautiful.
He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fishermen. Many of his happiest moments were spent on family camping trips in northern Wisconsin. He also loved to cook, whether over a campfire, at the backyard grill, or in his own kitchen preparing meals for family and friends. At holidays and family gatherings, Gary was almost always found in the kitchen.
A devoted husband to Maureen for 39 years, Gary cherished his family above all else. He was happiest working on projects with his sons and fishing up north with his wife. Known for his kindness and generosity, he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen Kolkau; his children, Gary George Kolkau (Grace), Tom Kolkau (Kelsey), James Kolkau (Michelle), and Jennie Krueger; his grandchildren, Adeline Kolkau and Bella and Jon Krueger; his nephews and nieces, Michael Gagliano, Clayton Brunger, Clare Foran, and Monica Peglow; his sister, Christine Power; his sisters-in law, Nancy Schiller and Louise Gagliano; and his brother-in-law, Tom Schiller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Kolkau; his mother-in-law, Mary Shaffer; and his sister-in-law, Kathleen Peglow.
Gary will be remembered as a loving, kind, optimistic, and spirited man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services will be private.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
MARSHA Robinson says:
Sending our sincere condlences was a great guy and friend!! Marsha and Ajax
Kathy Robinson says:
Mike and I are so sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father. He was a kindhearted, friendly, remarkable man. May he find peace in the arms of the angels.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne Smith has says:
So sorry for your loss Mo. we will miss Gary he was always so happy and go lucky.
Love,
Anne and Greg
Tammy Pozdol says:
what a wonderful funfilled life, you made the world a better place, truly one of a kind, you will never be forgotten, your Soul shall shine and shine again again it will never go away..God bless you..Rest easy my sweet friend.
One day l shall see you again.
Phil Wiatr says:
Sorry for your loss, Gary was a great guy and will surely be missed…
Paul Kolkau says:
We didn’t get to meet for that lunch we kept talking about.
R.I.P. Cuz We’ll get that lunch when we meet again.You will be missed by all.
Lisa Froehlig says:
So sorry and deepest condolences. Gary was such a cheerful person and will be missed dearly. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Jennie Hoffmann says:
We lost a very good friend as did many. His family lost much more. Gary was a kind, sentimental, helpful, friendly and outgoing person who is already missed. Our thoughts are with all his family and friends.