Erna Theresa Koloski

Erna Theresa Koloski died Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota. There will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. March 16, 2026, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with arrangements.

Erna was born November 19, 1927, in Redwood County, Minnesota, to Henry and Frances (Jennigis) Baumann. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Wanda, Minnesota. Erna grew up in Redwood County, attending school in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, graduating from Walnut Grove High School in 1945. After high school Erna went on to receive teacher’s training.

December 29, 1948, Erna married William Koloski at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Wanda. They lived and worked in Redwood County until 1965 when they moved to Pope County. In 2003, Erna moved to Benson, Minnesota. Erna worked at Lakeside Ballroom, Fingerhut, Pope County Home Health, and sold pull tabs for the Glenwood Fire Department.

Erna enjoyed spending winters in Texas, going to the casino, and playing cards. In her younger years, she loved to camp. Erna was a member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Erna was called from this life Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota. She was 98 years old. She is survived by her children: Cathy (Jeff) Nelson of Fort Myers, FL, Colleen (Rod) Gunderson of Benson, MN, Ed (Karen) Koloski of Garfield, MN, Gordie (Angela) Koloski of Gillette, WY, Lonnie (Shelley) Koloski of Starbuck, MN, and Lynn Koloski of Hopkins, MN; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother Cyril (Jean) Baumann of Irvine, CA; and sister-in-law Loretta.

Preceding Erna in death were her husband William Koloski, parents Henry and Frances Koloski, brothers: Lawrence, Romuald, and Gene; sisters Millie, Florence, and Rita, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

Blessed be the memory of Erna Koloski.