Gordon "Gordy" Kolm

Gordon “Gordy” Kolm, age 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Three Pillars Senior Living Communities in Dousman, WI. He was born on March 19, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI to Leopold and Ottilia (née Lippert) Kolm.

In June of 1945, 17 year old Gordy became part of WWII as he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for the next four years, seeing action as part of the occupations of Japan and of China. In June 1949, Gordy was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Sergeant.

On October 5, 1950, Gordy married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Ann Fischer. Together they shared 72 wonderful years of marriage until Pat’s passing in 2022. They began their married life in Milwaukee, before building their first home a few years later in Waukesha, where they became charter members of Chapel Hill Methodist Church. This was the first of several communities where they formed close friendships that would last their lifetimes.

In December of 1965, at the age of 37, Gordy fulfilled his dream of becoming a business owner when he built Kolm’s Super Valu grocery store in Burlington, WI. He took great pride in serving the community and providing employment opportunities for local residents, especially mentoring high school students in their first jobs. Gordy was involved in the community as a member of various clubs and organizations including; Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Masonic Lodge #28, Burlington Lions Club and the Tripoli Shriners. During his lifetime membership as a Mason, he held many offices including Worshipful Master. As part of the Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” campaign, Gordy helped to put smiles on many children’s faces by collecting and distributing toys during the Christmas holiday. He took pride in his performances as “Rainbow the Clown” at the annual Shrine Circus and various parades in Burlington and the surrounding area.

In 1987, Pat and Gordy moved to Edgerton, WI, and later to Stillman Valley, IL, where they owned and operated IGA grocery stores. Upon retirement in 2003, they split their time between Lake Wales, FL and Palmyra, WI, until moving to Three Pillars Senior Living Community in 2019. In 2019, Gordy participated in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, an experience he considered one of the greatest highlights of his life.

Gordy will be deeply missed by his loving children, Gordon W. Kolm, Vicki (Tom) Gobel, Diane (Steve) Maasz, and Kris (Peter) Michels. He was the proud grandfather to Libby (Tom) Citta, Ryan (Megan Isaacson) Gobel, Nathan (Sarah) Maasz, Katie (Lance) Kramer, Kyle (Samantha) Maasz, Samantha (Tristan Stene) Michels, Jenna (Kyle) Lacourse; and dearest great grandfather to Brett, Keileb, Kairi, Ridley, Abigail, Jonathan, Eliana, Madisyn and Mikalina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Pat; and many dear relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Three Pillars Ewald Chapel, 375 Highway 67, Dousman, WI 53118, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

Gordy will be interred next to Pat in a private service with military honors at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Three Pillars Senior Living Communities, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight or U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots.