Kim Michael Kolegraf, 71, of Bismarck, ND passed away August 26, 2022, at his home in hospice care, after a summers short battle with liver and blood diseases. His wife and daughter were by his side.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck, ND with Pastor Hoots officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 – 2:00 pm.
Kim was born on June 12, 1951 to Theodore and Marjorie Kolegraf. The family moved from Hope to Cooperstown, ND in 1963. He graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1969. He attended and graduated with a degree in Architectural Drafting from Wahpeton State School of Science. He briefly worked for Capp Homes in Minneapolis, MN. With a draft number of 51, he wisely enlisted in the Army, where he was stationed in Germany.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked for Melroe in Cooperstown. He transferred to Bismarck and worked for Bobcat Company for over 34 years. He retired in 2008 as a Senior Tool Engineer. He enjoyed 14 years of retirement.
On January 16, 1982 he married Debbie Sue Hoglund Olafson. He was the best dad EVER to their daughter Kelly. Kim was a constant in Kelly’s life for as long as she can remember. He loved being her dad. He showed her this by always having her back, and calmly providing guidance.
Kim planted and nurtured hundreds of trees that surround their property. He could tell you the variety and purpose of each tree. He also enjoyed gardening and mowing the lawn. He was a perfectionist in everything he did.
As a husband of a certified horsewoman he was the hay hauler, fence fixer and supporter of Deb’s passion. For years he helped mark trail for several endurance rides held in ND, as well as driving and traveling to many in and out of the state and Canada.
Kim enjoyed being an outdoorsmen. He spent time hunting, fishing, camping and golfing. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Wild, as well as NDSU Football, UND Hockey and NASCAR. He visited many National Parks and had hoped to visit even more. He did a solo trip from Colorado, to TX via AK, KS, NE, SD visiting National Parks and attending a couple baseball games along the way.
A special thank you to Oryn Wagner, Dennis Fuller, Dave Owens, Dale Minar and Earl Mcclenathan for all you did for Kim and his 1977 Z-28 Camaro restoration project.
Kim will be deeply missed by his wife Debbie, daughter Kelly Olafson and Oryn Wagner – his “Bismarck Brother”. He is survived by brother James (Jan); sister Dawn (John) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and sister Linda.
Kim will be remembered by his friends and family as a gentle, kind and compassionate man.
To view the memorial service, please click here .