June 12, 2019 at 5:26 p.m.
Helen Kolberg
Helen Kolberg
She graduated from Ely High School in 1948, and enrolled in nursing school at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minn. She graduated from there, in 1951, and began her nursing career.
During her nursing school summer break in 1950, while working as a cabin girl at a fly-in resort in the Minnesota Boundary Waters area, she met her husband Anton (Spike) Kolberg, who was working there as a fishing guide. They married in 1951 and spent 54 years together.
After they were married, they moved to Baltimore, M.D., where Helen worked at Cedar Sinai Hospital in the maternity unit, while her husband, Spike, worked on Merchant Marine ships. After one year there, they saved enough money to move back to Rhinelander and start the process of building a log home in the town of Crescent. Spike and his father built the log house that Helen lived in until her death.
Her life was filled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was fortunate to have her family in Rhinelander who helped her out immeasurably, so that she could stay in her own home.
While raising four girls, Helen was employed at Saint Mary's Hospital, Rhinelander, in the obstetrics department for 35 years. She worked nights and retired in 1992. She was recognized at her retirement for assisting with 1,870 deliveries, and only using three sick days during her 35 years there.
Women would see Helen in a store and tell her that she had been the nurse when they delivered their baby. They would thank her for her empathy and kindness when they really needed it. Some women would ask for her when they came to the hospital to deliver their baby with "Where's Helen? I want Helen!" She saw many souls come into this world.
She is survived by her children, Sherry (Danny) Poler of La Crosse, Rhonda (Richard Cargin) Kolberg-Cargin of Sturgeon Bay, Tina (Mike) Lee of Rhinelander, and Lori (Alvin) Lunzman of Pringle, S.D.; special grandmother of Stephanie, Omar, Ascension, Lucas, Dustin, Derek, Dylan, and Levi; great-grandmother of Gabrielle, Henry, Parker, Harper, Cooper, Rowan, and Theo; and sister-in-law Betty Kolberg. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and special friend Pat Ekman. She was preceded in death by her husband Anton (Spike) Kolberg, her parents, Anna and Jacob, her sisters Emily, Esther, Elsie, and Violet (Theo); and her brothers William, Theodore, Robert, and Einard; her sisters-in-law Mary Goulee, Clarice Kolberg; and brothers-in-law Jon Kolberg, Don Kolberg, and James Goulee.
Special thanks to the staff at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Rhinelander for the kindness and care shown to Helen during her stay.
A celebration of life will be held to remember Helen, and share our best memories and moments on June 29, 2019, at the Woodpecker Bar and Grill, 6776 Co Rd K, Rhinelander, from noon to 3 p.m. You may leave your private condolences for the Kolberg family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the Kolberg family.
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