Harold Arthur Kolbet

Harold Arthur Kolbet, 91, of Montrose, CO passed away on May 4, 2026, at Colorow Care Center.

Harold was born on September 7, 1934 in McCook, NE, the son of Charles and Cecilia (Schworer) Kolbet. He grew up on a farm in Hays Center, NE with his four sisters and six brothers. He went to work shortly after 8th grade graduation.

He enlisted in the Army on January 29, 1956 and served until honorably discharged January 23, 1958. He was part of an honor guard to President Eisenhower. He then served in the Army Reserves for four years.

After leaving the Army, Harold began a long career as a cement finisher. He worked on canals and dams in Nebraska, Kansas, and on the western slope of Colorado through the Bureau of Reclamation. The first dam he would work on was the Red Willow dam in McCook, NE. He would also work on the Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, Crystal, Silver Jack, and Ridgway dams. After his last dam, Harold continued working for construction companies in Montrose as a cement finisher. Harold was still setting forms, pouring concrete, and doing the finishing work until he retired at age 72.

Harold found and married the girl of his dreams, Lona Lee Wilkinson. They were married December 31, 1962, in Rosebud, SD. Harold and Lona would live in Valentine, NE and Beloit, KS before moving to Montrose, CO in 1966. In 1976 Harold and Lona purchased their farm north of Montrose where they would raise cattle and hay. Harold enjoyed taking his nephews and brothers elk hunting and in his younger years, he enjoyed baseball.

Harold was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. He served as an usher for many years. Harold was a member and treasurer of the Knights of Columbus Council 1188. Harold enjoyed working weekly at bingo with his fellow Knights. He was also a proud member of the cement mixer union, the NRA, and the American Legion.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Cecilia; brother Clifford Kolbet; sister Loretta Niblock and her husband Junior; sister-in-law Beverly Kolbet; brother Allan Kolbet and his wife Matilda; sister-in-law Lynn Kolbet; and brother-in-law Chuck Sonday. He is survived by his wife Lona; son Arthur (Dawn) Kolbet; daughter Catherine Kolbet; four grandchildren: Nicholas (Amber) Kolbet; Deianira (Dan) Rives; Kendra (Dylan Johnston) Kolbet; Elora Kolbet; two great grandchildren: Greyson Rives and Spencer Rives; brothers: Kenneth (Elaine) Kolbet; Roger Kolbet; Leon Kolbet; Floyd (Jan) Kolbet; sisters: Rita Kolbet, Isabelle (John) Heinzman; Leona Sonday; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial immediately following at Grand View Cemetery in Montrose, CO with military honors. There will be a Vigil and Rosary for Harold at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at Crippin Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home.