Josef Kolling died peacefully at his home in Macomb, Michigan on June 25, 2020, surrounded by family members. Josef was born in Pardan (Banat), Yugoslavia (now Serbia) on July 18, 1927 to Margareta Kolling (Hemmen) and Josef Kolling. Josef, at age 24, struck out on his own to build a new life and settled in Detroit, as other extended family members had before him. Josef married Magdalena Lutsch in 1954, and moved to East Pointe. They had lived only miles apart in the “old country” but met for the first time in their adopted homeland. After coming to America, he became a butcher, and for a time was co-owner of a German butcher shop. He also was employed in manufacturing.
Josef is survived by his devoted wife Magdalena, and three sons, Josef (Barbara), Johann (Christa) and Nikolaus. Josef was blessed with eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Josef was a loving and kind husband, father and grandfather.
For over fifty years, Josef spent summer weekends at their Lake Columbia cottage in the Irish Hills – usually manning the Sunday grill for large family gatherings. He enjoyed travelling, attending his son’s sports and other events, and was an active member of the Carpathia German Club. He loved tinkering on home projects. After retirement, Josef and Magdalena split time between Macomb and North Port, Florida. Due the coronavirus pandemic, public services will not be held at this time.
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He was a kind, loving and sweet man who meant a great deal to my family and I. Although he wasn’t actually my uncle, as first cousins, he and my Mom always treated each other as brother and sister. So he became my Uncle and was indeed my Godfather (Pat). I have so many beautiful memories of our families growing up together. I will cherish them always. He will be missed.
A Very calm intelligent devoted family man . I have fond memories of this family and their patriarch , Josef Sr. A great man and family . My deepest sympathy
My friends, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I remember going to your cottage and hanging out with everyone from our group and the Cleveland girls! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love n miss you all! Linda (Tomayko) Howell
We are so sorry for your loss. We would have loved listening to stories of his life.
Dear Joe and Barb, John and Christa, and Nick. I remember your father fondly, he was always so friendly and kind. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The very first wedding my family and I attended after we arrived in the United States (from Germany) was the wedding of Josef Kolling and Magdalena (Leni) Lutsch. It was the most splendid affair we ever attended and I likened it to a fairy tale. I will remember it as long as I live. I am very sorry for your loss Leni, Joe & Barbara, John and Christa and Nick. I will always think of your husband and father with sincere kindness and know that he will be welcomed by his many friends who have passed before him. God bless!
Dear Mrs. Kolling, Joe and Barb, John and Christa, and Nick. He was such a great, friendly and loving man. He was a great friend to my Mom & Dad. I remember all the card parties that they had and going to the lake in the summer. He will greatly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family! God Bless!
Dear Mrs. Kolling, Joe, Barb, John, Christa, and Nick, my deepest Sympathy to your entire family. I will always fondly remember your husband and Father from Carpathia. He was always so kind to everyone. My prayers go with you during this difficult time. God Bless you, Rosina Kuhlmann and family
In 1968 Mr. Kolling was watering his flowers at the Lake Columbia cottage as my Dad, Mom and I where driving through the Irish Hills during a typical Sunday afternoon. My Mom said “Isn’t that Sepp Koling?”, and we stopped to say “Hello”. That was the day that I met Joe, Nick, John and Mr. and Mrs. Kolling. It was also the day that we started a life-long family friendship that is maintained to this day, 53 years later. Mr. Kolling was a kind and generous man who always had a smile on his face and a kind word to share. Life is too short, and we should count our blessings when our lives are graced by someone like Mr. Kolling.