Ira Ellwood Kolsky was born April 11, 1927, near Jennings, Kansas, the son of Joseph and Grace (Spires) Kolsky. He passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the Fort Dodge Soldier's Home in Fort Dodge, Kansas, at the age of 85.

Ira was raised on the farm northwest of Jennings, Kansas, which his grandfather, George Kolsky Sr. Homesteaded. He attended school in Jennings and continued to farm after graduating.

Ira married Alice M. Foster on August 14, 1946, and they resided on the Kolsky family farm. A daughter and two sons were born to their union. During the Korean War, Ira served as a Corporal in the Marine Corps from 1952 until 1954. Ira and Alice later divorced.

On January 24, 1967, Ira was united in marriage to Leona (Uehlin) Smith at the United Methodist Church in Oberlin. They lived on his farm northwest of Jennings until September of 1974. The couple then moved to Harrisonville, Missouri, where they built and operated the town's first fast foot restaurant, Colonel Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken. They both worked in the business for seven years before retiring to Stockton, Missouri. Leona passed away February 14, 2001. Ira moved to Oberlin later that year.

He married Mary (Fortin) Uehlin in Oberlin where they continued to reside. She preceded him in death November 6, 2010.

Survivors include his three children, Paula Herd, of St. George, UT; Charles and Jean Kolsky, of Dodge City, and Robert Kolsky, of Dodge City; one stepdaughter, Ardith and Dean Lauderback, of Oberlin; a brother, Gerold Kolsky, of Clay Center; two sisters, Goldie Stapp, of Garden City, and Bettie Janning, of Storm Lake, IA; four grandchildren, four step grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; addition to other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents and wives, Ira was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Marlene Johnson; brother, Dallas Kolsky; sister, Marie Foster; brothers-in-law, Ivan Janning, Flavious Foster and Don Stapp; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Kolsky and Joyce Kolsky; and a great-granddaughter, Kamber Starr Herd.

Funeral Service: Monday, July 2, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. Rev. Cyd Stein will officiate.

Burial: Oberlin Cemetery

Memorial Fund: Ira Kolsky Memorial Fund

Visitation: Sunday from 1-8 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until service time