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Arnold Kolb Obituary
Arnold and his wife, Florence owned and operated Black Hills Aviation in Spearfish for many years before moving their operation to Alamogordo, N.M. Mr. Kolb was most widely known for his air tanker slurry planes used for fighting forest fires.
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Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Kolb
Peggy Riggs Steffel
May 30, 2011
We too just learned of Arnold's graduation to heaven. When we were in Spearfish for my mother's funeral just a year ago Pete and I stopped to visit Arnold, Florence, and Maurita and had such fun recounting stories. We recalled the flights Arnold took Pete and my dad on to decide where the best deer hunting was and to find a elk herd. And remembering one day in the 60's when Arnold suddenly decided to fly Pete up to have coffee with Arnold's parents and show him where he grew up. In 1958, after I had thyroid cancer surgery, and had returned to USD,I found another lump, and it was Arnold who flew down to Vermillion to get me and take me to the surgeon in Rapid City. Arnold was a walking history book and could entertain people for hours with fascinating stories. Truly one of a kind and a precious gem of God's creation who will be greatly missed here on earth.
Bob Lamb
May 29, 2011
I just heard about the Arnie's passing. My condolences to Florence and you girls and your familes. There are so many memories....When I was just starting out chewing Copenhagen tobacco, Arnie was more than happy to help out by putting worms in my Copenhagen can. I am happy to say that today I do not chew...I attribute my health today to being sprayed each morning flagging by 2-4-D and diesel fuel. After a fashion I took it on as a badge of honor as Clyde Ice drank it every day and lived to be over 100. He gave a backyard highschool mechanic the opportunity to learn a lot about aviation and even how to rework a B17. He had a way about him that brought out the best in others and encouraged them to be creative with their problem solving. He taught me a lot of life skills for which he will be long remembered.
Liz Staley
May 26, 2011
Our deepest sympathy for Arnold's passing - he was a kind and generous man whose friendship was valued highly by my parents, Ed and Lorraine Staley.
June Harvey
May 26, 2011
May God be with you all during this time of sorrow. (Just heard the news yesterday.) What a great guy! He was a wonderful friend to my parents, Clarence & Dorothy Riggs. I remember how he flew them out to Oregon to live with us. I'm so glad I spent a little time with him in Spearfish last summer.
Kurt and Judy Simon
May 11, 2011
Florence and family, Thinking of all of you at this time. And remembering Arnold - he will be missed my so many. His great sense of humor, his many accomplishments and influence in many peoples lives - such a good person. Our condolences to you and all of the relatives on the loss of Arnold.
Earl Seaholm
May 10, 2011
When I was traveling for a living, I always looked forward to a lunch with Arnold when I was in the Black Hills. The stories were fascinating!
Sympathies to Arnold's family from Earl and Marion (Arnold's niece) Seaholm.
Amelia Kolb/Smith
May 8, 2011
Arnold you will be truly missed! I have so very many wonderful memories. Florence, my thoughts and Prayers are with you and the family!! I wish I could be there!
Mike Ginther
May 7, 2011
My sympathies to all the family. He was admired by all who knew him or knew of him. He passed on a good deal on an airplane for me to instruct with at Lemmon. He wanted to see more people "back home" learning to fly.He was always willing to help where he could. I will miss his "Kolb" humor and his passion for flying. Mike Ginther
Bryan Kingston
May 7, 2011
My Uncle (Lee) told me the story of the scenic flight Arnold gave he and my Grandma (Caroline) years ago and the donation to the Smithsonian. A wonderful man...
Carol (Keil) Olson
May 6, 2011
My mother (Alma) was a cousin to Arnold. I remember him when I was younger and also at our family reunions. I always admired him. He was truely a kind, gentle and funny man. He was someone you would always remember. Our prayers and sympathy to his family. Keep all the wonderful of him memories close.
God Bless, C Olson
May 6, 2011
My sympathies to you Florence and family. I will never forget the airplane ride that Arnold gave us at the Sorum school which you taught. My prayers for you at this time of sorrow.
Lila (Ruby) Stark Riverton, Wy
Kathy Magda Wolff
May 6, 2011
Florence and family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the unusual priviledge of knowing Arnold in both Alamogordo and Spearfish. He will be truly missed.
Sherry Wood
May 5, 2011
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. My parents, Pat and Hazel McLaughlin, always spoke so fondly of Arnold, and we, as young people, had good memories of hanging around the Spearfish Airport in the hopes of getting an occasional plane ride with him. Sincerely, Bill and Sherry Wood (daughter and son-in-law)
Bob Rockwell
May 5, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
May 5, 2011
Florence, what can we say at this time to let you know how we felt about Arnold. He was one of the dearest men we have ever known--kind, compassionate, generous, truly one-of-a-kind. He is now with our Beloved Saviour and will one day welcome us home--just as he always welcomed us into his presence here on earth. We truly cherish the memories we have had together with you and Arnold. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Lowell and Barbara Swisher
Eldon Jensen
May 5, 2011
Florence and family, Our sympathy to you in the passing of Arnold. He and the Kolb brothers were real influences in Aviation in western SD, and on our family, as well as many others. Kind Regards, The Eldon Jensen family.
May 4, 2011
Our parents both spoke quite fondly of the Kolb family. Her's (Sever and Ruth Eubank) and mine (Orville and Edna Van Vactor)each drank coffee and talked frequently with them all. You have our sincere sympathy.
Sonja & Gary Chindberg
May 2, 2011
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Florence and family. He was a nice man and will be greatly missed.
Gary & Sonja Chindberg
Vince Wienk
May 1, 2011
We are very sorry for your loss. He was a truly great aviator; touched many lives. Hard to imagine we will never hear him tell another joke or share another story. Vince and Micky Wienk, Spearfish.
L A
May 1, 2011
A truly wonderful man.
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