Michael R. "Mike" Kollbaum

Micheal Kollbaum died, November 8, 2025.

He was born on May 20, 1967, to LaVerne and Charlene Kollbaum of Sergeant Bluff, IA. Despite being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of three, he never missed a beat. In fact, he had an optimism and hope for life that never wavered. When asked to describe him, family, friends, or mere acquaintances, without hesitation, all agree he was an extremely kind and compassionate man, who brought laughter and joy into a room, a person who was willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, and the kindest person you’d ever meet.

As a teen he loved participating in Motocross. He played football and was a drummer in the Sergeant Bluff high school band. He also loved to jet ski and gained significant skill in performing tricks and jumps. He was an avid lover of practical jokes and humor, putting stuffed dummies around his parent’s house and pulling fireworks on the cupboards, humor was a big love language of his.

He met the love of his life, Lynn (Desmond), on a blind date. Afriendship immediately developed, and it rapidly turned into a devoted love and marriage that they were fortunate to celebrate for 30 years. Lynn came to the relationship as a duo with her young son Jordan, who Mike adored, and enthusiastically adopted. They were two peas in a pod who became best friends for life.

His spark to help others was already evident when he attended Morningside University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree and took jobs serving others. From being a counselor and IT technician at the Crittenton Center, to working as a Juvenile Court officer, and most recently for the State of Nebraska Adult Protective Services.

To feed his love for adventure, Mike and Lynn frequently went on Cruises, exploring the islands of the Caribbean together. The Black Hills were another place that fed his soul. Mike had a lifetime passion for airplanes and helicopters that he inherited from his father, an Air Force Veteran. He frequently enjoyed going to air shows with his son Jordan. Top on the list of experiences they shared was when Jordan gifted his dad a helicopter ride in the Black Hills.

He spent his life as a big supporter of organ donations, having received two kidneys and a pancreas transplant himself. He was part of the “miracle nine” which made headlines for nine people getting transplants in 24 hours due to a tragic freeway accident. He spent the rest of his life grateful to his organ donors that gave him another chance at life.

Through it all, he never lost his optimism, hope and love for life.He never once complained and was extremely grateful to all the people who gave him such compassionate care.

The family wishes all who read this to do a random act of kindness to a stranger or play a practical joke in honor of this humble and loving man who gave so much to others.

He is survived by his wife Lynn; son Jordan (fiancé Bre); sisters Debbie (Larry) Vertrees of Munford, TN, Brenda (Brad) Schindel of Merrill, IA., and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and friends.

He is reunited in the afterlife with his father and mother, LaVerne and Charlene Kolbaum, and his brother Rick Kolbaum.

Services will be held on Friday, November 14, at the Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, Sioux City, IA. Visitation will start at 5:30. The Celebration of Life will begin at 7:00, followed by a social time with family.