Jeffrey "Jeff" Kolb

 Jeffrey "Jeff" Kolb, age 63, of Freedom, passed away on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025, at Appleton Medical Center after a courageous three-year battle with leukemia.

He was born on September 6th, 1962, as the youngest of six children, son of the late Frank and Beverly (Dey) Kolb. On July 12th, 1986, Jeff married the love of his life, Donna Murphy, at St. Nicholas Parish in Freedom.

Together, they raised three children who were his greatest accomplishment and a constant source of deep pride. His supreme joy in life was his family, for whom he worked relentlessly to provide. His children were his world, and his grandchildren were the light of his life and constant comfort during his battle with cancer. Whether taking his family out on the boat, helping with home improvement projects, waking up early to plow driveways, or reading to his grandkids, he gave his whole heart and effort to his family.

Jeff was a graduate of Freedom High School with the Class of 1980. After high school, he attended Fox Valley Technical College for fluid power maintenance. He dedicated 40 years to Murphy Concrete & Construction (MCC) retiring as a Plant Manager in 2022.

He was a faithful member of St. Nicholas Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He also dedicated many years to coaching youth sports through the Freedom Athletic Association and St. Nicholas Catholic School. Jeff felt coaching was a meaningful way to give back to the community, spend invaluable time with his own children, and help shape future generations by instilling the life lessons he knew sports could teach: teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Jeff was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, always supporting and providing “constructive criticism” to the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers. Jeff also enjoyed hunting, utilizing the time in the woods to reflect, experience nature, and occasionally harvest a deer.

He was loved and will be missed by many.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Donna; three children: Taylor (Bridgette) Kolb, Lacey (Hunter) Bloy, and Kelsey (Brice) Bevers; and four grandchildren: Serena Bloy, Adrienne Bloy, Carson Kolb, and Brady Kolb. He is further survived by his siblings: Carol Lynch, Barb (Pete) Van Wychen, and Jack Kolb; his mother-in-law Patricia Murphy and brothers and sisters-in-law: Tim Murphy; Linda (Rudy) Borneman; Laurie (Todd) Thompson; Ken Murphy; and Joe (Tracy) Murphy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Beverly Kolb; his father-in-law, Martin Murphy; his siblings: Jim Kolb and Patti Van Handel; his nephew, Marcus Van Wychen; his brother-in-law: Russ Lynch and sister-in-law: Penny Murphy

The Funeral Liturgy for Jeff will be held on Friday, November 7th, 2025, at 12:00 pm at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, November 7th beginning at 9:00 am until the time of the Funeral Liturgy at 12:00 pm at the church. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery following the funeral. Online condolences may be expressed at www.verkuilenfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a memorial fund in Jeff's memory. Please direct inquiries regarding contributions to Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home or contact a member of the family for details.

A special thank you to the many family members and friends who supported us and Jeff throughout his illness. The family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated medical professionals and staff at ThedaCare Oncology, Froedtert Cancer Center, and MD Anderson for their compassionate care and unwavering support.