Carolyn Mary Kolbus

Carolyn Mary Kolbus, age 82, of Munising, died Sunday, February 16, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was under the care of Northwoods Hospice at MediLodge of Munising following a brief and unexpected illness. Carolyn was born May 4, 1942 in Shingleton to the late Virgil and Mary (Marcilon) Wright. Carolyn attended primary and secondary school in Taylor, MI where she found joy in playing the accordion and participating in baton twirling. She moved back to Munising and graduated from William G. Mather High School in 1960. Carolyn married John Kolbus, Jr. on April 22,1961 and accompanied him to Germany where he was stationed in the Army. While in Germany, their son JB was born. After returning to the States they moved back to Munising, where they raised their five children. Over the years, Carolyn worked a variety of jobs: cooking at the CC camps, the Munising Bakery and Hub’s bakery, the Blue Spruce, Timber Products as the first splicer, Robinson’s Grocery in Shingleton, but her favorite job was babysitting. She babysat for various families as well as many of her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Gruder.” Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and they all knew they were loved and spoiled. Carolyn had a great work ethic and did everything she could to help her kids. In her free time, she sold pasties, pierogies, and fresh-picked raspberries to help pay for school supplies. As a family, they enjoyed many camping trips to Kingston Lake where you could find Carolyn out fishing in the early mornings or picking blueberries and making pies on the campfire. Carolyn loved reading, traveling, playing cards (occasionally cheating), and beating her family at Scrabble. She enjoyed watching Bill Kennedy at the Movies on Sunday afternoons and watching any movie with Tom Selleck or Chuck Norris. Carolyn was known for her sweet nature. She was very kind and generous and would willingly give her last dollar to anyone in need. Carolyn will always be remembered for her sense of humor and her quick wit. Any time spent around her would be filled with laughter and love.

Carolyn is survived by her husband - John Kolbus of Munising; children - John “JB” (Terry) Kolbus of Munising, Christine (Dan) Zarling of Helena, MT, Shawn (Kathleen) Kolbus of Marquette, Lisa (Tom) Schramm of Munising, and Stephanie (Bob) Helsel of Munising; grandchildren - Ryan and Katie Kolbus, Michael Zarling, Danielle (Quinton) Holmlund, Stephanie (Mac) Williams, Erica (Josh) Nelson, Kaylee, Jordan, and Kaitlyn Kolbus, Jacob (Alyx), Joel (Brooke), and Jillian Schramm, Hailey (Alex) Yadon, and Tyler McAllister; great-grandchildren - Lydia, Hazel, Cash, Calhoun, Tanner, and two more on the way; sister – Joanne (Joe) Pelletier; brother-in-law Allen Robinson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother - Virgil “Bud” Wright, Jr.; sister - MaryAnn Robinson; and two infant brothers.

Carolyn’s family would like to thank Northwoods Hospice as well as the nursing staff at MediLodge for being so accommodating to the family and for the great care they provided. Honoring Carolyn’s wishes, no public services will be held.