December 26, 1963 - July 6, 2024
Funeral Mass for Stephen Kollasch was celebrated on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Inurnment was at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Whittemore.
Stephen Michael Kollasch was born Dec. 26, 1963, in Mason City to Clem and Mary Helen (Brennan) Kollasch of Whittemore. He spent his childhood on the farm outside of Whittemore during which time he attended St. Michael’s Catholic Grade School in Whittemore.
His childhood was filled with activity in 4-H showing horses and cattle, raising other livestock at the farm, participating in sports and spending time with his four brothers as the middle child. He attended Bishop Garrigan High School where he excelled athletically, particularly in football and graduated in 1982. His success in high school brought forth a full-ride football scholarship to the University of South Dakota, where he was a multi-year starter, letter winner and eventual team captain for the Coyotes. Steve was immensely proud of his football career at USD, the life-long friends he made on the team and for graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1986. While at USD, he met his wife of 36 years, Debra Vanden Hull, and they were married Sept. 5, 1987, in Archer.
Following their marriage Steve and Deb lived in Rochester, Minn. Throughout their time in Rochester, Steve and Deb went on many adventures including snow skiing, camping and canoeing. In 1991, Steve started his law enforcement career in Garner serving as a police officer. In 1993, Steve moved back to Whittemore when he accepted a role as a deputy with the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Department. Steve and Deb raised their three children, Anna Kate, Tony and Zach in Whittemore. In 2008, Steve was elected Kossuth County Sheriff, a position where he served for three terms until his retirement in January of 2021. He and Deb were also proud owners of the Whittemore Car Wash, which Steve enjoyed operating for many years.
Steve was passionate about serving his church and community throughout the years, dedicating time to the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael’s Finance Council, St. Michael’s Holy Name, Whittemore Fire Department, Algona Morwens Kiwanis, State of Iowa Jail Board, Kossuth County Care Team, Kossuth Connections, Whittemore Community Club, and volunteering with Whittemore Little League and Bishop Garrigan Schools.
Steve was dedicated to his family, supporting his kids in their many sports and extracurricular activities, 4-H horse riding, memorable family vacations, summers spent camping and boating at Lost Island Lake, and always being a constant source of advice and support. Those close to Steve knew of his passion for restoring vintage Schwinn bicycles, restoring and riding his father’s antique Massey Harris tractor, watching high school and college athletics, listening to classic rock, and making connections with others wherever he went.
Those left to cherish Steve’s memory include his wife, Deb Kollasch, of Whittemore. His children, Anna Kate Bush and her husband Jake of New Ulm, Minn., Anthony Kollasch and his fiancée Haley of Spencer and Zachary Kollasch and his fiancée Greta of Clive. His brothers, Gene of Whittemore, Martin of Whittemore, Phil of Whittemore and John of Whittemore. Many in-laws, nieces and nephews, his football teammates and many close friends he made throughout his lifetime.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clem and Mary Helen Kollasch. His uncles, Fr. Gene Kollasch S.J., Arnold Kollasch, and Louis Kollasch. His aunts Sr. Anne Marie Kollasch P.B.V.M. and Caroline Bormann and his parents-in-law, John and Esther Vanden Hull.
Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services of Whittemore. Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.