Joseph Alexander Kolega

Jun 24, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 4 comments

Joseph Alexander Kolega passed away on June 22, 2020, at the age of 23. Joe recently graduated from the University of Kansas with a BSBA and worked for Seaboard Corporation in Merriam, Kansas.

Joe was born on August 13, 1996, to Sean and Carla Kolega. Joe is survived by his parents and siblings Natalie Cantrell (Brett) of Austin, TX, Nick Kolega (Emily) of Kansas City, MO, and Bill Kolega (Megan) of Tampa, FL. Joe is also survived by his nieces that he cared for dearly, Adelaide and Theadora Cantrell of Austin, TX. Joe is predeceased by his grandparents William and Shirley Ann Kolega, and Eugene and Lou Humbard.

Joe grew up in Shawnee, Kansas, and attended high school at Olathe Northwest. He played football in high school and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity at KU. Joe was well-loved and always surrounded and supported by many friends and family. He lived life to the fullest.

We are thankful for every day and moment with Joe. Our last memory with him was Sunday afternoon for Father’s Day. We shared a long lunch together, a memory we will treasure forever.

We will celebrate Joe’s life on Thursday, June 25, at 10:30am at the Johnson County KS Arts and Heritage Center Event Space (located at 8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212).

In lieu of flowers, Sean and Carla request donations to First Call Kansas City. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC

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Kevin Moore

3 years ago

I love your boy like he was one of mine. We shared some awesome family moments with you guys. I’ll never forget the sincerity and kindness your family shared with my family. Our boys loved each other like brothers and they fought like brothers. Those long days and nights at the soccer and baseball fields were the absolute best memories I have of our time in Shawnee. My most cherished memory of Joe Has to be without a doubt when Joe and Con were in first or second grade playing soccer. Joe came out of the game and came up to Carla Sean and I and said “Mom……Can I Use My Body?” We cracked up and Carla said yeah Joe you can use your body. It was precious he was asking his parents permission to take his opponents down. Sean Carla Pearl Nick Bill and Joe I love you all with all my heart. I’m so blessed to have the Kolegas in my life. You’re life long friends am I’m here for you always and forever.

Shelly Horner and Tom

3 years ago

Carla and Sean and the entire family,
Tom and I are so terribly sorry for this excruciating loss of Joe. We pray for the peace of Christ to be with you throughout this very difficult journey. May your hearts and minds remember all the great times and the love you shared.

Brian Newby

3 years ago

Sean and Carla, I’m so sorry for this news. I remember, more than 20 years ago, camping, when little Joey would make his caveman face. He was such a joyous toddler and it looks like he touched so many lives as a young man. Love and prayers for you two, Nick, Bill, and Natalie, and all your family.

Cheryl Eckert

3 years ago

A beautiful obituary for your lovely son, Joe. You both have wonderful memories to cherish. He was loved by many people and he touched each of their lives.

My sincere condolences,
Cheryl Eckert Hazlett

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