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Elwood Kolb Obituary
After the Academy, Elwood enlisted in the Army Reserves at age 17 and was called to active duty shortly after his 18th birthday. He served in the 253rd Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division in Germany. After returning to the United States, he was discharged in August 1946. In addition to his campaign medals, Elwood was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal.
Seven months after returning home, Elwood enrolled in Pennsylvania State College of Optometry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Optometry in 1950. He then entered into practice with his father in Allentown and also started to teach at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He retired from teaching in 1988, having served as Chief of the Contact Lens Service and Associate Professor of Contact Lenses. He continued to practice until September 1996.
Elwood was a member of numerous optometric organizations including The International Contact Lens Association, The Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optometry and served as President in some of them. He also served as the President of the Lehigh Valley County chapter of the Lehigh Valley Association for Rehabilitation Centers Inc. He was co-founder and also served as President for the Allentown Sertoma Club. Elwood was a member of Temple Beth El, Allentown where he volunteered for many years. Since his retirement he has been a volunteer for the Lehigh County Historical Society and The Emmaus Library.
Survivors: Elwood married Vivian Frumer in 1947 and had a daughter Beverly and a son David. Elwood married Marilyn Rosenfield in 1988. His son David Kolb; stepdaughter Janis Wilkins; 4 grandchildren; Vanessa Kolb; Sharon Reinhart; Ian Reinhart; Stephanie Rozen and 3 great-grandchildren survive him.
Services: A private gravesite service will be held in the Beth El Memorial Park, Whitehall. Please contact the funeral home for more information about the services. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Temple Beth El 1305 Springhouse Rd, Allentown, PA 18104.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elwood Kolb
Sponsored by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown.
Pat Leibensperger, wife of late Lee Leibensperger
December 3, 2021
Dr. Kolb was our family optometrist, a friend via Sertoma Club . I often think of him when I go to my current eye doctor or meet up with a former Sertoma member.
Suzanne Lapiduss
December 12, 2020
Rest In Peace sweet gentle man.
Ann and Craig Bartholomew
December 11, 2020
The Lower Macungie Township Historical Society is sorry to learn of the loss of one more of our WWII veterans. Our most sincere sympathy and best wishes to Marilyn, with thanks to you for sharing your husband with us.
Christina Price
December 9, 2020
Thank you for allowing us to care for this wonderful man. Christina from Legend
Karen W Rabenold
December 9, 2020
Dr. Kolb was my doctor for many years and then our neighbor when we moved to the Fairways. He and Marilyn were wonderful neighbors. We wish to extend our sympathies to Marilyn and the rest of the family.
Karen and Clark Rabenold, Naples FL
Janet Holva-DeSipio
December 9, 2020
Good bye Dr Kolb!!
You were the best eye doctor and introducing me to contacts changed my life.
My sympathies to Dave and Bev.
Linda and Murray Garber
December 9, 2020
Dr. Kolb was our optometrist for a long time. Woody was also a friend. We loved going to his office because his clown collection made us happy. His quiet demeanor was comforting, especially since I had problems with the glaucoma test! Dr. Kolb was a sweet and caring individual, and I know he’ll be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences to the family!
KIMBERLY FOSTER
December 9, 2020
Prayers to the family. I worked with Dr Kolb several years ago. He was a caring provider and wonderful boss.
Carol Robins
December 9, 2020
I got to know Elwood and his wife Marilyn, who were always so gracious to me when I'd visit Allentown. I also remember his father and the office from childhood. Elwood was also very interested in preserving artifacts in our synagogue.
Pat Leibensperger
December 9, 2020
"Doc" Kolb, as he was known, was not only a very good optometrist, but a great person. We got to know him through being involved in Sertoma, as well as keeping our eyes healthy. My sympathies to his children and family members.
Pat Leibensperger and the late Lee Leibensperger.
Pennie Leibensperger
December 9, 2020
My condolences to Dr. Kolbs family. He was my eye doctor till he retired and was friends with my Mother and Father through Sertoma. He was always such a nice and knowledgeable person. I am very sorry for your families loss.
James E Kintzel MD
December 9, 2020
An appreciative goodbye to the George Washington (reinactor) at the. Museum of the Lehigh county Historical Society. You made your last passage across the Delaware
Ellie Urban
December 9, 2020
Dr Kolb was a great doctor. I always enjoyed my visits viewing his huge clown collection. Compassionate and competent. Everything you want in a doctor. Sorry for your loss.
Dr Neil Boderman
December 9, 2020
Dr Kolb was an associate for many years and was well respected within our community. He was always helpful and will be missed by not only his family but by his friends and associates.
December 9, 2020
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
Cheryl Reitz
December 9, 2020
He was a very nice man with a gentle sweet soul. May his memory be for a blessing!
December 8, 2020
Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country.
H onorable
E xemplary
R espected
O utstanding
God Bless You!
God be with your family!
Sincerely,
A Grateful US Citizen
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Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown274 N Krocks Rd, Allentown, PA 18106
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