Don E. Kolkmeyer

Don E. Kolkmeyer, 49, of Belvidere went to heaven Saturday, March 29, 2014 at home with family. He faced pancreatic cancer with courage, grace and dignity.
He was born August 30, 1964, in Belvidere, IL, to the late Bill and Claudette (nee Sullivan) Kolkmeyer. Don attended Belvidere High School and graduated from Harrison Central High School in Gulfport, MS in 1982 after moving there with family. Don and Toni (nee Erickson) have been married 24 years.
Don worked for VR2 Construction and most recently for Stenstrom Construction for several years. He was proud to build his own custom home, and he possessed an extraordinary work ethic. Don was an accomplished natural athlete and enjoyed spending time coaching young kids. At Belvidere Youth Baseball he spent many happy hours in the dugout and on the diamond. He worked with the Rockford Boy's Club and their program. He and Paul Gersak were proud to coach "Orange Crush" to a state championship. Don so enjoyed being part of a coaching team and volunteering. He made lifelong friends coaching along side Daryl, Chris, Jeff, Paul, Frank and Scott. He was also a volunteer coach for Belvidere Junior Tackle Football. He loved the outdoors! Fishing and hunting with friends and family gave him great joy. His smile was easy and constant. He said yes to any request. Helping a friend build a deck, fence, hang cabinets, or any project, he made countless friends and held them close.
His greatest love and pride lies with his family. He is survived by devoted wife Toni. Don often boasted proudly about his children: Kelsea of Palos Hills, IL; Benjamin and Lindsey who live at home and attend Belvidere North High School. He is also survived by siblings David Kolkmeyer, John Kolkmeyer (Jennifer), Julie Kolkmeyer Cherney (Tony) and Sally Kolkmeyer Severson (Steve). Nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
The Kolkmeyer family would like to extend special thanks to Heartland Hospice and Mayo Clinic.
There are angels on earth who have helped so much. Special thanks to Ruth Miller and Jennifer Kolkmeyer. David, John, Sally and Julie will always treasure the time they had helping to care for Don. To the dozens of loving and kind friends who supported the family during this difficult journey, we are deeply grateful.
Memorial Service 6p.m Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford Il 61108. Memorial visitation 4-5:45 pm Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, we request donations to the family for a future memorial for Belvidere Youth Baseball. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
We will miss our "Grabber" every day. GO BEARS!