Jerome Elmer Kollenberg passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. 

 Jerome was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by hard work, faith, kindness, and dedication to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, strength, and compassion that will continue through the many lives he touched. 

 Jerry was born July 10th, 1935 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Elmer and Sarah Kollenberg. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and brother Bill (Marianne). He was the beloved husband of Frances Kollenberg (nee Lindeman) and father to Kathy (Brian) the late Michael (Teddi), Steve, Jeff (DeAnne), Tom (Christine), Ross (Lisa), John (Michelle). Jerome was also a loving grandfather to Will, Tori, Chelsea, Maggie, John, Sarah, Laney, Jessica, Nikolai, Elliot and Oliver.

 Jerry took great pride in his family and found joy in spending time with those he loved most. He loved manning the grill at family gatherings, doing yardwork, and fixing a pool he probably wished he had never built for his kids. He was an avid reader of mysteries, loved Westerns and was a huge history buff. After four years of seeing much of Europe while serving in the Army, Jerry spent more than 40 years in the manufacturing and wholesale building supply business, retiring from Wayne Oakland Building Supply in the early 2000s. Jerry lived a faith-filled life. He was very active at Our Lady of Fatima/Our Mother of Perpetual Help as a reader and usher. He did so much for so many people, and he truly loved doing it. Anyone who knew Jerry knew that his love for his Buckeyes and Reds came in a close second to his faith. Growing up, his love for the Reds was genuine, but his love for Ohio State was a full devotion. Saturdays in the fall were usually punctuated with a “GO BUCKS!” yell and furious clapping. This explains the mantra he proudly stated: “I’m Buckeye born, Buckeye bred, and when I die, I’m Buckeye dead!” 

 A funeral mass will be held Saturday, June 20,2026, at Our Mother Of Perpetual Help, 13500 Oak Park Blvd. Oak Park, Mi. 48237. Visitation from 9am to 10am, mass to follow. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Matchan Nutrition Center, 171 W. Pike Pontiac, Mi.48341. https://www.matchannutritioncenter.org/