Merle Kolberg

Obituary for Merle Roland Kolberg
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Merle Roland Kolberg, age 72, of Englewood, Florida, who passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Merle was born on January 30, 1954, in Crystal Falls, Michigan, to Henry Jr. and Gladys (Johnson) Kolberg.
First and foremost, Merle deeply loved and adored his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found great joy in the outdoors—whether hunting, fishing, boating, traveling or simply spending time on the water. He embraced every adventure wholeheartedly. Merle was raised in a close-knit, loving Christian family. His adventurous spirit began early when he moved with his family to Alaska in 1962. At just eight years old, he harvested his first caribou on a family hunt. Growing up quickly, he even obtained his drivers license at age 12 to help support his family. He graduated from Florence high school in 1973 and went on to pursue a career in the construction industry. Throughout his life, Merle’s work and passions took him across the country. He became a successful general contractor, building custom homes and commercial properties in Alaska, Wisconsin, Michigan, and South Carolina. He was a distinguished lifetime member of the Moose Lodge 1933, the Florence rescue squad, the Michigan Carpenters Union, and was actively involved in the American Kennel Club, breeding and training beagles, as well as many other sporting organizations.
Merle was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his children, daughter Halsey (Bill) Sleeter of Iron Mountain, Michigan, and son Conrad Kolberg of Florence, Wisconsin; his siblings, Glenn (Pam) Kolberg of Palmer, Alaska; Julie (Mike) McLain of Palmer, Alaska; Connie (John) Majka of Englewood, Florida; April (Glenn) Harmon of Englewood, Florida; and his heartfelt brother, Mike (Barbie) Chowaniec of Palmer, Alaska.
His greatest joy was spending time with his grandkids, including Morgan, Montgomery, Julien, and Camilla Sleeter. His grandchildren also include Ellie, Braden, and Madden Kolberg. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and his special friend and companion of nine years, Aimee Howe.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Henry and Gladys Kolberg, and the love of his life, his wife, Karen.
A celebration of life will be held at the Englewood Moose Lodge 1933 on April 19th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. His final resting place will be in Florence, Wisconsin, with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
Merle will forever remain in our hearts and will always be remembered as our ‘Warrior’.
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