Gordon Kolberg

Gordon Kolberg, age 94 of Glendive, Montana, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the Eastern Montana Veteran's Home in Glendive. Family is planning time together privately at a future date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with arrangements. Gordon was born April 30, 1928, in Glendive MT to Jonas and Erna (Aschwega) Kolberg. The family homestead was located six miles west and south of Bloomfield. In 1942 the home place moved one mile north to the location it is today. Gordon’s love of trees created a “forest on the prairie” as the Stephan brothers used to tease him. The home place was his pride and joy, and much blood, sweat and tears grew it to what it is today. Gordon was a trend setter in farming and ranching. He was always reading, researching, and attempting new ideas ahead of the field. Gordon attended school just down the road at the Kolberg school, Bloomfield school and graduated from DCHS in 1946. He worked on the family during and after graduating high school. He enlisted in the army in 1951 during the Korean war. Gordon married Gertrude Palen February 2, 1954. To this union arrived two daughters and four sons. Their lives were full of, laughter, boating outings with family friends, hunting and fishing trips and family vacations when they could. All was interwoven around work on the farm. Gordon enrolled in a Dale Carnegie course in the 1960’s enhancing his skills to be involved in many lifelong organizations in the community. Through the years he was very engaged with many organizations. He served as Chairman/Director of the following organizations: Exchange State Bank, First Security Bank, Stockman Bank, Glendive Hospital, Grain Growers Elevator and DCHS School Board. Gordon was a life member of the Elks Club, Moose Club, American Legion and Frontier Gateway Museum. He also belonged to the Chamber of Commerce and Glendive Rod and Gun Club. He has been a member of Zion Lutheran Church for 60 years. Gordon was a huge fan of MSU Bobcats, DCC Buccaneers and DCHS Red Devils. He is a Life Member of DCHS Red Devil Booster Club and donated steers to MSU Steer-A-Year Club for over a decade. He was a Buccaneer Booster Club Member for over 50 years. His love for the Buccaneers commenced in October of 2003 with the Dedication of Kolberg Field on the DCC campus. He was very proud to see his Baseball Brand on the scoreboard in centerfield. Gordon and son Guy were elated to throw the first pitches at the initial game played at Kolberg Field. Gordon loved hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling outings enjoying these activities with friends and family members. The Montana Centennial Cattle Drive of 1989 found Gordon, his brother-in-law and lifelong friend Bob Stortz and daughter Cheryl saddling up to join in the celebration. He was quite proud of his steer “Oly’ who made the “Drive” from Roundup to Billings. Gordon is preceded in death by his mother, father, mother and father-in-law, son Brad, daughter Cindy, sister Bev Stortz, brothers-in-law Zene, Clifford and Harry Palen and sisters-in-law Harriet Free and Gail Knudson. He is survived by his wife Gertrude of 68 years, daughter Cheryl (Maggie Copeland), sons Greg and Guy (Cassy Haffner) all of Glendive and Darren (Crystal Turner) of Three Forks MT, sisters, Margie Ming of Sidney and Linda Comer of Elwood IN, brother-in-law Dar Palen (Janet Bidwell) of Stevensville MT. Gordon has eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Gordon and Gert shared an incredible friendship with their special group of friends that lasted for decades. From adventures at the trailer down at the river or Hughes cabin at the river, brandings, to Branson MS, Seattle, New York City, Washington D.C., Hawaii, World Series games in Minnesota in the early 60’s, to trips Florida, Las Vegas, California, and Indiana visiting relatives, they lived their friendships to their fullest! Staycations her at home and getting out in Glendive from the Montana Inn to the Elks Club to the Beer Jug or outings at friends’ homes were enjoyed as well and live on. Gordon lived life to its fullest! He was everywhere, knew everybody and everybody knew him. Gordon would visit with you even if you didn’t know him! He lived his nine lives and was given many more in his adventurous 94 years of life! He loved and cared for Gert and his family and loved sharing in many family get-togethers here and afar over all his years. Gordon and his family want to thank Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home nurses and staff for their outstanding work ethic and their generous support and love in his short visit there. Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.silhafuneralhomes.com. Memorials are suggested to Frontier Gateway Museum of Glendive, Hospice of Glendive, and Glendive Community Cancer Fund.

Gordon Kolberg

April 30, 1928 - August 27, 2022

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Gordon Kolberg

April 30, 1928 - August 27, 2022

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support