Obituary of Charles E. Kolstad

Charles (Chuck) E Kolstad, 77, passed away peacefully, with family by his side at Highland Hospital Palliative Care Unit and Visiting Nurse of Rochester and Monroe County Hospice on January 17^th. He is survived by his children Mike (Gina Doran) Kolstad, Rebecca (Paul Gilfus) Kolstad, Eric (Kristin)Kolstad and Holly Kolstad. His grandchildren Sarah Gilfus, MacKenzie Kolstad, Jakob Kolstad, Madison Kolstad, Aubrey Gilfus and Parker Kolstad. He is also survived by his long-time love, Ria Patti and her children and grandchildren, Lindsay (Josh) Steele, Christy, Kim and Becky Patti. He is also survived by his brothers Steven Kolstad, Scott Kolstad and William Kolstad.  He is pre-deceased by his parents Edward and Norma Kolstad, his sister, Judy Stone, and the mother of his children, Vilma(Chris) Kolstad. In addition, he is survived by many friends, nieces, nephews, extended family members and construction industry associates.

Chuck was a road warrior, a salesman, a teacher, a learner and a caregiver.He was drafted into the United States Air Force from 1966-1970 and was in active combat zones in the Vietnam war during those years, as a Loadmaster on C-130 planes. After learning all he could about this role, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and became a much-loved instructor for new Loadmasters.  Upon his return from Vietnam, he joined the family Manufacturer’s representative business with his father, Edward and eventually,  all of his brothers and three of his children. Again, Chuck found his passion was teaching and became a much-loved instructor of anchors and firestop products throughout upstate New York.  When Chuck’s children were young, he enjoyed coaching Vince Lombardi football and would stop at nothing to get to a game, even if that meant driving back and forth to Albany, twice, in one day. He felt most comfortable behind the wheel of his iconic Astro vans. He loved being behind the wheel so much, that during the 1970’s trucking strikes he went out and got his Class 1 CDL license so that he could drive the 18-wheeler trucks himself, to and from manufacturers to continue to provide and deliver products to his wholesale customers. 

Chuck cared for his family members and loved ones by being the one to check your tires, your oil and gas levels before you set out on the road. Often, he would bring Wendy’s Frosty’s and anything sweet to those he cared about, but his biggest caregiving was for his father Edward, as he battled with Alzheimer’s. 

Before Google maps, there was Chuck, he had a unique knack for knowing mile markers and streets in NY and could gauge how long a trip would take you based on what mile marker you were at. As Chuck navigates this new journey, one thing is certain he will be keeping track of those mile markers for the loved ones that follow behind him.

Calling hours will be held on January 31, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm with a Military flag ceremony afterwards, at Jennings, Nulton and Mattle funeral Home 1704 Penfield Road Penfield , NY. In lieu of flowers please send any donations to the Lewey Body Dementia Associates Donate – Lewy Body Dementia Association or  to Wayne County Humane Society Donate | Wayne Humane