Stanley Kolenda

Stanley Edward Kolenda passed away in Franklin, Indiana on September 17, 2009, of natural causes at the age of 93. His life was full and long. Family and friends remember him as an intelligent, hard-working, loyal and dedicated individual. Stan was born on February 17, 1916 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating as the valedictorian of his high school class at Grand Rapids Union High School in 1933, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Upon completion of his tour with the CCC, Stan returned Grand Rapids and worked with his father at a furniture crafting factory. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Ruthmarie Griffin. They married in 1938. After working in Grand Rapids for Michigan Bell Telephone for nearly two years, Stan was transferred to Battle Creek, Michigan. He remained employed by the telephone company for 41 years, retiring in 1978. Stan lived in his beloved Michigan until last November, when he moved to a nursing home in Franklin, Indiana to be near family. Stanley was an avid reader, an excellent carpenter who loved making furniture and other gifts, as well as a golf and bridge enthusiast. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for 60+ years, participating in the Dad's Club and the Knights of Columbus, and serving as an usher for Mass. Stan was preceded in death by wife, Ruthmarie, his parents, John and Mary Kolenda and four siblings: Adolph, Sophia, Ann and Marian. He is survived by his five children; John Kolenda of Yonkers, New York, Mary Kolenda Evans of Austin, Texas, Michael Kolenda of South Bend, Indiana, Sherril Kolenda Rubin of San Antonio, Texas, and Thomas Kolenda of Austin, Texas, a total of seven grandchildren: Alexis Ferreri, Christopher Kolenda, Katherine Kolenda, Sara Kolenda, Griffin Rubin, Ruthanna Rubin and Erin Kolenda and a number of nieces and nephews. In the last years of his life, Stan was blessed to receive outstanding care and support from Mary and Mike Tobin, a kindness for which Stan's children are deeply grateful. Family will receive friends from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Tuesday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home where a Rosary will be recited at 7p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00a.m. Wednesday September 23, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to charity of one's choice.