John A. Kolberg

MONONA - John Alan Kolberg, age 79, of Monona, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on August 11, 1946, in Ashland, Wis., on Lake Superior, the son of William and Josephine (Rohn) Kolberg.

John graduated from Ashland High School. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1970 (rank MM3 USCGC Spencer) where he was deployed to Vietnam. He married Kathleen "Kathy" Gallagher on October 15, 1988, on a sailboat in the Gulf of Mexico.

When John came back from Vietnam, he moved to Madison where he pursued his love for playing music. He was in several bands from the ages of 16 to 60, particularly Side By Side, Howlin' At The Moon, and Restless. He was most comfortable when he was on stage, singing and playing the guitar.

John is survived by his wife, Kathleen; and sisters, Cathy Dufek and Nancy Nelson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine; father, William; and stepfather, Joseph Nelson.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420