Dr. John Kolesar

Dr. John Kolesar, 91, of Fort Dodge passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Friendship Haven. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church. A visitation will be one hour prior at the church. Laufersweiler Funeral Home is serving the family. John Kolesar was born June 2, 1929 to John and Mary (Struhar) Kolesar. John was raised in Fort Dodge and graduated from FDSH in 1947. He then attended the Illinois College Optometry and started his practice in Fort Dodge. On July 23, 1977 he was united in marriage to Vernetta Westphal. After 44 years, of serving Fort Dodge Dr. John Kolesar retired in 2005. He was a member of the Fort Dodge JC's, Rotary, Fort Dodge School Board, and Saint Paul Lutheran Church. John's favorite pastime was watching and photographing all types of wildlife, insects, and flowers. He loved sharing his photos to area groups and his photos were published many times in the Messenger by Walt Stevens. Dr. John Kolesar is survived by his wife, Vernetta; daughter, Jonice "Jo" King of Rockwell City; grandson, Adam (McKenzi) King of Urbandale; granddaughters, Frankie and CiCi. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Emil and Julius, and infant brother, John. Memorials may be left to St. Paul Lutheran Church.