Donald Lee Kolasinski passed away peacefully on April 29, 2013 in Idaho Falls. He was born March 8, 1934 in Alpena, Mich., to Edward Kolasinski and Geneva Szczukowski Kolasinski. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1953, afterwards attending Lincoln Welding School in Cleveland, Ohio. As a youth he greatly enjoyed playing football for Coach Bob Devany at Alpena High as halfback and defensive safety. Don later coached his own twin boys in Little League. The twins were born in 1953 to he and Ardath Smith Kolasinski. He married his wife of 48 years, Mary Blackburn Kolasinski, in Portland, Ore., on April 19, 1965. Later, in 1972, Don and Mary moved from La Grande, Ore., to Casper. Together they resided in Wyoming for 41 years, where Don worked as a self-employed welder in the oil fields and in construction. Don was an exceptional certified welder, mentoring many young welders and helping them start their own business. Don and Mary lived for many years in Smoot, up against the beautiful Salt River Range Mountains. There, Don fondly cared for his horses with daily currying and attention, three to six at a time until their old age. Mary and Don had three cats and one dog as well. Don loved the high mountain beauty of Wyoming and hunting elk, deer and bighorn rams. He was a very successful hunter and loved nothing better than being in the mountains with his horses and his sons, Terry and Gary Kolasinski. He and Terry hunted together in Oregon, Idaho and Alaska as well as Wyoming for 47 years of hunting seasons, since Terry was 12-years-old. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Geneva Gallagher of Alpena, Mich.; his son, Gary Kolasinski, 54, of Baker City, Ore.; and his great aunt, Leota Murphy, who was a big influence in his life. Don is survived by his wife, Mary Kolasinski, now residing close to her granddaughter, Melanie Rasmussen and nearby to step-son, Terry Kolasinski and daughter, Sharon Gries. Don is also survived by two other stepdaughters, Linda Wise and Luann Flood; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Holy Family Catholic Church.