Paul Matthew Kollberg,

Paul Matthew, “Goom”, Kollberg, age 56 of Madison, entered into eternal life on Saturday, August 30, 2014. His journey was a courageous one after many unforeseen complications following an open heart surgery to correct a genetic heart complication. Paul’s will to live and fight for life was revered by many, instilling inspiration to all who took care of him. The family wishes to thank the UW Cardiothoracic ICU team for all their valiant efforts to help Paul, and loving care they gave his family during his fight. Paul was born on August 5, 1958 in Lombard, Illinois. Paul was the son of Verna Elaine Kollberg (Carlson) and Paul Gustav Kollberg. Paul grew up in Madison’s Westmorland neighborhood filled with great friends and neighbors. Paul learned to love the Packers, Badgers, fishing and golf from his Uncle Hank after losing his father at a young age. He cherished every minute playing basketball for the Madison West Regents from 1972-1976 and has several lifelong friends from school. Following high school, Paul went on to attend UW-Madison where he received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1980, and experienced his dream of playing basketball as a Badger. On June 27, 1981, Paul married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Debbie Carlstrom at Midvale Lutheran Church of Madison, where the two met in Youth Group. In his late twenties, Paul furthered his professional career at American T.V. of Madison, where he would spend the next 29 years helping to develop the company by working in advertising, marketing, and e-commerce. Paul and Debbie stayed rooted in Madison, and brought three beautiful children into the world. In the early years of parenthood, Paul willingly volunteered and coached many of his childrens’ activities and was always in attendance, proud of all their accomplishments. In 33 years of marriage, Paul and Deb created many memories together with their children by spending weeks together at the family cottage in Hayward, fishing, being actively involved at church, loyally following the Badgers and Packers, spoiling their grandchildren with chocolate donuts whenever they visited (and whatever else they wanted). They taught their kids and grandchildren to love others as they would want to be loved. Paul and Deb loved spending time in Door County each year (where they honeymooned), gathering with old friends each New Year’s Eve, attending any event involving their children or grandchildren, and enjoying their country life whenever possible. Some of their fondest trips together included an Alaskan cruise, going Hume Lake Camp in California with extended family, attending the 2013 Badgers Rose Bowl and the Badgers 2014 Final Four. Paul is survived by his wife Debbie, their daughters Jennifer (Joel) Nellis, and Ashley (Brandon) Rivas, and their son Ryan Kollberg. He is also survived by four adored and beloved grandchildren, for whom Paul’s face would always beam with pride; Adrik, Annika, and Anden Nellis, and Kaylynn Rivas. Additionally, he is survived by his sister Mary (Brent) Adamson, his mother and father-in-law, Carol and Floyd Carlstrom, sister-in-law Diane (Greg) Kopan, brother-in-law John Sharp, ten nieces and nephews, nine great nieces and nephews and many more relatives and friends. His family, although heartbroken over his passing, take comfort in knowing that Paul now has the best court-side seat to watch over his loved ones as we learn to play this game of life without our adored husband, Daddy, Goompa, brother, Uncle Paulie, Coach, and friend to all. Paul rejoins his father Paul Gustav, his mother Verna, his sister Alice Sharp, his brother-in-law Dale Carlstrom and other family members in eternal life. Paul had the profound gift to touch the lives of others with his smile, his generosity, his positivity, and his truly “larger than life” faith and love for God and his family. He would want all of his loved ones to hold their heads high, see only the good in life, help others first, and enjoy each and every moment we have with each other. A service in celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Sunday, September 7th at 1:30pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-West Campus, 7291 County Hwy PD, Verona, with a reception to follow. Please help us honor Paul and his love for the Badgers by wearing your red and white. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, (an organization Paul served for many years) or the Paul Kollberg Family Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761