John Gilbert Kolbo

John Gilbert Kolbo was born January 17, 1958, at the family farm to Howard and Violet Kolbo. John passed away mid-morning January 1, 2026, due to medical complications.

John started life out young and youthful. He went to school at both Clockmaker and Westby Schools. He grew up working hard and loved riding horses and just being outside in general. He was good at math and automotive work. He liked fixing mechanical issues on the tractors. John worked on several dairy farms, in the tobacco fields and later on in life at Varc in Viroqua.

John owned several herds of cattle that he later ended up selling. He loved the color green, which was great because he loved his John Deere tractors just as much!. He even owned one! Even had a green Ford car. He loved his independence of being able to come and go as he pleased.

He had a couple bulls, Pork Chop the bull that was more like a pet and Buster. Buster was the complete opposite, and he scared the neighbors and most of the family. Both these bulls only obeyed John.

John also had a couple dogs throughout his life. He loved animals. As he got older and settled in Viroqua, he acquired a light tan colored dog he named Cocoa. Cocoa is missing him dearly.

In John's mid adult years he suffered a medical event that altered his state of mind and well being. He wasn't the same after that. He made many mistakes and had far too many struggles. He moved throughout Wi, and just recently returned to this area.

He enjoyed a good meal, shopping, and smoking a cig on the back porch. Taking his dog Cocoa for walks was often a highlight of his days. He especially enjoyed listening to Elvis and would sing lyrics randomly. As he got older, his health started to take a turn. He struggled with many different medical events throughout the past few years.

He was happy to be moved back to the area, closer to family and land he was familiar with. A special thank you to Kim Ward for advocating for him to stay in this area and to Taylor Brevik & staff for all the great care he has been recently receiving.

John is survived by his sisters Alice Kolbo and Linda Compton; his brother Rodger as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Violet Kolbo; his brother Harvey; sisters Beverly Kolbo, Vivian Sordahl, and Betty Sordahl; niece Mary Hughes; and nephew Phillip Compton.

A Funeral Service for John will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Visitation will be held from Noon until the time of the service. John will be laid to rest at Our Saviors Cemetery following the service.