Kimberly Sue Kolhof, 65, died on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, Neb. She was born on March 6, 1958, to Eugene and Dolores (Rogers) Lauver. She grew up in Council Bluffs. Kim attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated in 1976. On Aug. 22, 1976, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Kirk Kolhof, at the Broadway Christian Church. They were blessed with two children, Kirk Jr. and Kandice. In 1985, the family moved to Old Town Missouri Valley. Kim worked at Alcon and then for many years at the Missouri Valley Schools. In 1996, they purchased the Tamarack Bowling Alley. After Kirk’s death in 2005, Kim ran the Tamarack until it closed. She then worked at Pizza Ranch and Mosaic. In 2021, Kim sold her home in Missouri Valley and moved back to Council Bluffs.
One of Kim’s great passions was bowling. She embraced the sport with enthusiasm and skill. Through coaching softball for many years, Kim instilled in young players not only the techniques of the game but also important life lessons. Her commitment to mentoring extended beyond the ball field; she took pride in coaching Special Olympics athletes. Kim's patience and kindness reflected her belief in everyone's ability to succeed, regardless of their challenges. In addition to coaching, she found joy in playing slow-pitch softball herself. She also enjoyed playing slot machines and bingo. Kim loved the many trips to the cabin on Lake Poinsett in South Dakota. Her most profound and cherished role was being “Grandma Kim”. Her adoration for her grandsons knew no bounds. She doted on them, sharing in every adventure, milestone and triumph.
Kim was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kirk Kolhof Sr.; brother, Roger Lauver; and brother-in-law, Kraig Kolhof. She is survived by her children, Kirk Kolhof Jr. and his wife Lauren of Millard, Neb. and Kandi and her husband Eric Wallis of Logan; grandsons, Calvin Wallis, Cael Wallis and KJ Kolhof III; brother, Craig Lauver and his wife Karen of Council Bluffs; sisters-in-law, Michelle Lauver of Glenwood, Jodi and her husband Frank Reynek of Omaha and Linda Kolhof of Council Bluffs; brother-in-law, Kerry Kolhof and his wife Mireille of Hendon, Va.; many nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at the Rand Community Center in Missouri Valley. Marcia Morrison presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “You’ll Be There” by George Strait, “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts and “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. The honorary pallbears were Calvin Wallis, Cael Wallis and KJ Kolhof III. Kim’s final resting place is at the Evergreen Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
