Verlin Kollman Obituary (1932

Verlin passed away into the loving arms of his heavenly father on June 22, 2010. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on February 24, 1932 to Chester and Bessie Kollman. At the age of 6, the family moved to the small eastern Oregon desert city of Ontario. Verlin was an extremely hard worker and stayed employed in Ontario in his teen years until graduating from Ontario High School in 1950. He met the love of his life, Reatha Blair, while in high school and who was also a next door neighbor. Verlin and Reatha both attended the same Assembly of God Church in Ontario. Verlin and Reatha were married in Ontario on November 24, 1950. Tears would well in his eyes when he recently talked about meeting Reatha, the love they shared, and their courtship before marriage. In 1951 Verlin and Reatha moved to Yakima, Washington as Verlin found employment at Yakima Manufacturing Inc., and they started their family. As a born-again Christian, he was actively involved with local church activities and rose up the management ranks of his company throughout the sixties and seventies. He remained employed for the company until retirement in 1979. Verlin was well-respected in the local Grid Kid football leagues as he coached his sons teams to League championships. As a man, Verlins word was his bond. He had an extremely kind heart, and loved his friends and family passionately. Verlin could fix anything around the house, and also had a green thumb. He loved fine automobiles, and fast boats. His perfect day was a 100-degree scorcher up at O Sullivan Reservoir, boating in his jet boat, and water-skiing with the family. Verlin is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Reatha, and by his children Jan Deccio (Greg) of Yakima, Gary Kollman (Debra) of Bothell, WA, and Tommy Kollman (Lisa) of Yakima; by his sister Joyce Vaughn (Albert) of Hillsboro, Oregon and Melvin Kollman (Colleen) of Yakima; by 6 grandchildren: Casey Kitt (Christy), Tina Johnson (Tim); Kyle Kollman, Tara Kollman, and T.J. Kollman; and by 6 great grandchildren. Verlin was a quiet man who spoke with his actions. Those that knew him knew they had a loyal and trusted friend, you could always count on. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who relied upon his quiet strength, and tender heart. Visitation will be held between 1 and 5 p.m. at Shaw and Sons Funeral Home in Yakima, Washington on Sunday, June 27th. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 28 at Terrace Heights Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held directly after the service at his daughters home.