Rodney Kolar

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(Nov. 2, 1928 - March 13, 2017)

Rodney Kolar, 88, died peacefully at West Park Hospital Monday, March 13, 2017.

Rodney was born in Fairbury, Nebraska, on Nov. 2, 1928. He entered the military, serving in the Marines during World War II.

Upon his return home, he met Betty Ahrendt. While working as a gas station attendant, he was burned in a gasoline accident. During his hospital stay, they were married and Betty worked at the local hospital.

After their divorce, Rodney returned to Wyoming where he was a supervisor with a boiler maker company. In Cheyenne, he met and married Mary Lou Setbaken.

After years of traveling they decided to settle in Powell, and purchased the Park Motel, where they made many friends. They were snow birds to Texas, often visiting the Rodriquez’s in Mexico during the winter. Rod and Mary Lou lived a full life, and enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and dancing.

They sold the motel and he helped the Rodriquez family. After Mary Lou’s death, Rodney left the Powell area and went to Hildago and Mission, Texas.

A few years later, he married Pauline Miller from Cody, where they made their home. They continued traveling and enjoyed dancing. Rodney was a great cook and loved cooking for others. He is remembered for his involvement in the “Color Guard” with the VFW of Cody, the Eagles Clubs in Powell and Cody, and he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cody. He was known for his sense of humor, always being willing to help others and sharp appearance.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Reona, Patricia, Dale, Kermit, Richard and Prudence, and Jesse; daughter Jean Cavin and son Tim Kolar.

He is survived by his wife Pauline; daughters: Connie Terzo, Tami Throener, Sondra (Tom Vance), Valeria; and son Kevin (Linda); brothers: Joe Carmichael, Larry (Sharon) and Jerry; sisters Myra and Joann; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends, who loved him dearly.

An online memorial is available at www.BallardFH.com.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 17, at 2 p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church 2025 23rd Street in Cody with Dr. Pat Montgomery officiating. Burial will be at Riverside-Graham Cemetery.

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