Obituaries

I cannot believe it! I met Steve in the late 80's when the Surfboys played the WI State Fair at the the Pabst Pavillion. The Kitchen was being run by my Dad and the whole Family worked there. One look at "Stoney" and my 14 yr old heart was gone! Luckily Steve and I became friends. He would sit and talk with the "Kid" I'd get him food. A friend of mine and I started following the band everywhere. Even made a giant sheet cake for Steve's Bday. Then he met Sweet Mary. They made an appearance at my 16th Bday. I can't tell you what that meant to me. I still kept in touch for awhile and went to see the band when I could. Last time I saw Steve was at Ozaukee County Fair maybe 12 years or so ago. Mary, my heart is broken for you your kids. I wish I would have known before now. I would have been there. All my love to my Teenage Crush. Rest in Paradise......

Dear Fran and family. My heartfelt condolences to you and family for the loss of your wonderful son. Although I did not know him , I sure heard what a fabulous man he was from many of my friends. Please know I am thinking of you and please tell Louigina she also will be in my prayers. My sympathy to his loving wife and children. So sorry dear Fran. Charmaine Gelsone Robinson

I met Steve at GE Healthcare in 2004 when I moved to CT Detector Engineering. I enjoyed working with Steve on many projects (from 4 slice to 256 slice CT Detectors) and his thirst to do the right thing and contribute wherever he could was inspiring. When I left CT Detectors in 2017, Steve had risen to co-leader of the software test team and had great influence on how our test sequences should be structured. He was a quiet and humble leader with a passion for continual improvement. I am sure he will be missed at CT Detectors and will leave a large hole to fill. I got to know Steve a little outside of work too, and I would say his life revolved around his love for God, family and music. I remember seeing a picture of the Virgin Mary on his desk when I came to talk to him about work matters. I also remember the fondness with which he talked about his kids as they grew up and developed their own interests and about his wife's cooking when he brought in treats on his birthday. On the music front, I remember many times how he rocked out at work picnic gatherings and the joy it brought to him. I learned in one of those occasions that in his earlier music years, he was part of a band that toured southeast Wisconsin during the year, played at many summer festivals in the area and played at Summerfest with some regularity. In typical Steve fashion, this was delivered with such humility that I was more excited about it when I heard it than he was telling the story, especially since the Summerfest bit had no real underscore in his delivery. I surmise that Steve gave up band playing during the most formative years of his children's lives to help Mary raise their family. My deepest condolences goes to all his family. Steve - you will be remembered. Piero.

RIP Steve and my condolences to his family. For a short time he performed in our band Jimmy and the Streetbeats in Racine. He was a great musician but most of all a real gentleman and good person.

An excellent musician and always did enjoy hearing him play. RIP Steve. Sending prayers to the family.

A beautiful human being....Steve will be missed by so many whose lives were beautifully touched because of him. My deepest sympathies to all in the Kollman family for your loss of Steve’s ever present light. I truly believe that we all who held him dear will carry some of that magical fairy dust that he sprinkled on us with his music and effervescence. Heartfelt prayers going out to all...

I am saddened to hear about Steve’s passing. It has been many years since I have seen Steve, but I can still remember vividly the first time I heard him play guitar. He blew us away! All that time I thought he was just a sax player… I didn’t think much about grace and humility in High School, but I now know I was in the presence of it with Steve.

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our condolences to you Mary, Sarah, Jonathan, David and Fran and family. Steve always had such a warm smile that I remember and he was such a kind man. May God comfort all of you in your time of grief.

So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Prayers to all of you. Luann

We are so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. He is fondly remembered from CYO and the Music Center. We are blessed to have known him. Sending love and prayers to you, Mary and your family.

Very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I went to Harvey with him and he dominated the chalkboard with his huge handwritting. After 45 years I can still hear him asking to go to the chaulk board and then the sound of the chaulk as Steve wrote answers in 24 inch letters: He was big!

I am just so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of family get together, stock club picnics and Rambler Band. Peace and Love to all of the Kollman’s.

It cannot imagine your passing. I still remember the days at Washington Jr. High when we would walk down to the lake after we ate lunch and sit on the rocks to contemplate our future. I always thought you were the best musician I knew. I still have the recording of you playing Classical Gas at our 9th grade variety show. God bless you. Rest in piece.

We’re so shocked and heartbroken to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a great person and musician and will be missed by the community. Our sincere condolences to the entire family and extended families. Love and hugs to all. Kurt and Laurie Harff

So deeply missed by Frank, Cheryl, Frankie, and Joey Parise