Roger Kolbet, age 74, of New Hampton, Iowa, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien, WI, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with ALS.
Roger was born July 21, 1952, to Joseph and Loraine (Burgart) Kolbet. He grew up on the family farm in Alta Vista, Iowa, and attended St. William’s Catholic School from kindergarten through eighth grade before continuing to New Hampton High School. There, he met Jean Brady, beginning a partnership that would span a lifetime. Roger and Jean graduated together in 1970 and were married November 14 of that year at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Together, they raised three children: Amy, Brady, and Kolby.
Roger and Jean both worked at the Pizza Kitchen before becoming restaurateurs themselves. Roger also served in the Army Reserves and worked for B & J Construction Supply. In 1985, they purchased the Bread Basket in New Hampton and remodeled it into Kolby’s Dine & Stein. Together, they owned and operated the restaurant for 13 years, welcoming friends, neighbors, and visitors with good food and warm hospitality.
Also in 1985, Roger founded Mid-Tech Services, a laser business he built and operated until his retirement, when his son Brady acquired the company.
Roger and Jean split their time between their New Hampton home and their home on the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Roger’s devotion to Jean was evident in the way he always made sure she was taken care of. Together, they enjoyed visiting their favorite establishments in both communities, catching up with friends and making new ones. They took a sincere interest in the lives of others, listening to their stories and finding ways to help whenever they could.
Roger also enjoyed UTV rides around town and organized rides with Jean and friends. He treasured time with his family and was a proud grandfather who loved attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events, cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments.
His Catholic faith was central to his life. He worshipped at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton and St. Gabriel’s in Prairie du Chien. His children attended St. Joseph’s, and he was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus. He enjoyed volunteering at church festivals, fundraisers, and Friday fish fries, serving his church alongside some of his closest friends.
Roger will be remembered for his generous heart and the way he put others before himself. He loved to cook for hundreds, bringing people together over a good meal. Among his most meaningful traditions was preparing and delivering meals to people spending Christmas without family or anyone in need of a warm meal. For Roger, food was a way to care for people and make sure they knew they were remembered.
Through his example, Roger taught his family to be kind, give generously, and share opportunities and experiences with those who might otherwise go without. Those lessons, along with his love of family and gift for friendship, will live on in the many lives he touched.
Roger is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean; his three children, Kolby (Erin) Kolbet of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, and children Kallie, Sid, and Zoey; Brady (Andrea) Kolbet and children Madison (Keegan) Kane, Karson, and Campbelle; and Amy (Tim) Macal and children Laken, Ellie, and Camrie. He is also survived by his siblings, Ken (Norma) Kolbet, Shirley Fries, Dale (Valerie) Kolbet, Phyllis (Larry) Brown, Leon (Suellen) Kolbet, and Joann (Tim) Throndson; his in-laws, Dan (Judy) Brady and Wilfred Kuennen; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Joe” and Loraine (Burgart) Kolbet; his parents-in-law, Emmett and Agnes Brady; his sister-in-law, Patricia Kuennen; and his brother-in-law, Gary Fries.
Roger never met a stranger, rarely passed up a chance to help someone, and probably would have told you to save your money on the flowers.
In his honor, the family welcomes memorial contributions to continue doing what Roger did best—helping people, supporting his community, and making sure someone who needed a little extra kindness received it. Because the best way to remember Roger is to keep the good going.
