William Kolker

William Kolker, 80, of Republic and formerly of Columbia Station, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, May 8, 2026.  He was born October 8, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of Elmer J. and Marie A. (Wray) Kolker.  

Bill graduated from Olmsted Falls High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for four years, deploying on the USS Saratoga with Fire Squadron VF103. After his discharge, he returned to the Cleveland area and began working as a parts manager for Industrial Engine Parts.

A dedicated public servant, Bill also spent 25 years as a volunteer fireman and EMT for the Westview/Olmsted Falls Fire Department. Following his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling the country in their RV, visiting National Parks and Spanish Missions.

A loving father and "Boppa," Bill was known for his kind heart. In his younger years, he enjoyed coaching youth sports, as well as fishing and camping. Bill was a true craftsman who loved working with his hands, whether he was woodworking or performing mechanical work on cars and airplanes.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Karen (Nimrichter), whom he married February 11, 1967 at St. Mary of the Falls in Olmsted Falls; Three children: Julie Goins of Sandusky, Kimberly (Scott) Schreiner of Republic and Pat (Katherine) Kolker of Bishop, California; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and sister, Deborah (James) Mellott of Waynesville, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sisters: Christine Kolker and Annette Kovach; and son-in-law, Scott Goins.

Friends will be received on Monday, May 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Foos & Foos Funeral Service, 151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue where the Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will begin on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gaspar del Bufalo Catholic Church, 16209 Co Rd 46, Bellevue, OH 44811.  Burial with military honors will follow at Reed Assumption Cemetery.

Memorials in Bill’s honor may be made to  The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741