Janice M. Kolbas

Janice M. Kolbas, age 78, Gaastra, MI died Thursday, March 20, 2008 at the Iron River Care Center, Iron River, MI. Born: December 15, 1929 in Stambaugh, MI The daughter of the late Charles and Emma (Dallatorrie) Melchiori attended the Stambaugh schools graduating with the Class of 1947. Following graduation, she worked as a secretary in Chicago, IL returning to the Iron County area in 1948. She served as clerk of the Iron County Local Draft Board #37 from 1948 to 1950 and then at the Iron County Department of Social Services for a year. She later served as a consultant at the Veterans Administration, Iron River for a short time. She also worked at a clerical position for a short time for the J.C. Penny Company in Iron River, and was employed in retail sales at Ball & Christy Furniture Store of Iron River from 1963 until her retirement in 1982. She married Stanley Kolbas on August 6, 1949 at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Stambaugh and the couple made their home in Gaastra. He preceded her in death on June 28, 1981. Janice was a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian, MI and a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Gaastra. She could light up a room with her sense of humor, kindness towards others and eagerness to please anyone around her. She was devoted to her whole family, especially her grandchildren, and received great joy from caring for them. She touched many lives with her unselfishness and great attitude. No matter how many hardships she faced, she would always remark, "she had a great trip." Janice will be greatly missed by all. Survived by two daughters; Peggy Connors (fiance, Keith Fordahl) of Iron River Patti (Ron) Peretto of Gaastra One son, Michael Kolbas of the Bahamas One brother, Gene (Josephine) Melchiori of Norway, MI One sister, Peggy Banks of Stevens Point, WI Three grandchildren; Michael Patrick, Joseph, and Jennifer Numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews Visitation: Monday, March 24, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. A Liturgical Prayer Service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian with Rev. Norman Clisch, pastor, and Rev, Michael Woempner to concelebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Pallbearers; Michael Connors, Joseph Peretto, Jay Connors, Keith Fordahl, Ron Peretto, and Greg Banks. Interment: Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River. The family will be establishing a memorial donation for Alzheimer's Research in her name. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River, MI.