Wayne Kolo

Wayne A. Kolo, age 76, of Nekoosa, WI, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in the presence of his loving wife, Leanne, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Woodland Lutheran Church in Rome. Rev. Margo Peterson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the church.

Wayne was born August 9, 1948, in Wisconsin Rapids to Arthur and Dorothy (Rokus) Kolo. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966. Growing up on a farm in Sigel, WI, he learned the value of hard work early on. He attended North Central Technical College for a year before joining the United States Air Force. After two years of service, he attained the rank of sergeant and later received an honorable discharge.

He was united in marriage to Leanne Smith on September 9, 1972. Wayne attended Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids and graduated with degrees in Mechanical Design and Civil Technology. Wayne spent his professional life with Nekoosa Papers/Georgia Pacific, retiring as shipping superintendent at the Nekoosa mill after 45 years of service. He was well known for his leadership, dedication, and work ethic.

Wayne embraced his passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed bow hunting, fishing, and camping. His adventurous spirit even led him to hunt big game in Africa. An avid golfer, bird watcher, reader, and skilled craftsman, Wayne also had a love for playing board games with his family. He loved driving his Camaro convertible all over the state, savoring Snickerdoodle cookies, and dining at Two Lakes Supper Club. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and his dogs. He was a member of Woodland Lutheran Church in the Town of Rome.

He is survived by his wife, Leanne; son, Shawn Kolo of Hartford, WI; daughter, Erica (Aaron) Sherman and grandchildren Alexa and Ian Sherman of Wisconsin Rapids; sister, Carol (Paul) Krubsack of Rice Lake; brother, Jack (Michelle) Kolo of Hartland; aunt, Marlene Herzberg; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Kolo and brother, Don Kolo; and many aunts and uncles.

Wayne's life was a testament to the power of love, the joy of adventure, and the value of family. Wayne brought a wealth of beauty to the world through his kind and loving heart. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered for his integrity, strength, and courage.

Wayne’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Al and Danna Campbell, Rick and Kathy Hildebrandt, Jan Gildenzoph, Jade Plummer, Dr. Hartig at UW-Health, and all the nurses who cared for him on his journey.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.