The Life of THOMAS WESTLAND KOLLINGS
Thomas (Tom) Kollings, 78, of Des Moines passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Hospice of Central Iowa, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday August 30, 2010 at Holy Trinity Church, 2926 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines. The visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday August 29, at Iles (Westover) Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines.
Tom, born on December 11, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa was the younger of two sons and a lifetime resident of Des Moines. His parents were Leonard and Grace Kollings. Tom graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines and attended Drake University. He served in the Military (Air Force) for two years and was stationed in Orlando, Florida. In 1950, Tom started a long and distinguished career at the Des Moines Register and Tribune that spanned 46 years. In his years at the Register, Tom worked as a Stereotyper, Pressman, Make-up Editor and Outdoor Writer. His writing career began initially as a freelance position, evolving into Outdoor Columnist (Iowa Sportsman) in 1984. It was at the Register that he met his future wife, and beloved lifetime partner, Jacquelyn Day. The two were married on June 12, 1954.
Tom felt truly blessed to have had the opportunity to make a living participating in his lifetime passion for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. Throughout the years and over hundreds of trips in the field and on the water, many enjoyable memories were created and deep, lasting friendships formed. Tom was very much a traditionalist and looked forward to his annual trips with old friends, preparing recipes and cooking fish and game for his family. A devoted husband, father, brother, brother in law, grandfather and great grandfather, his family was the core of his life. At seasonal or birthday gatherings, his deep booming laugh could be heard throughout the house and his engaging, sometimes irreverent sense of humor was a constant treat, appreciated and loved by all.
Tom will be greatly missed by his family and many loyal, caring friends. We are all richer to have had him in our lives.
Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife Jacquelyn in 2008. He is survived by his brother Dick Kollings, brother in law Charles Day, sons Michael (wife Carol), Scott (wife Jenifer), and David (wife Jenna) Kollings, daughter Jennifer Sutherland-Groh (husband Ryan), his grandchildren Megan Tell (husband Brett) and Jenna Kollings, Erin, Jessica and Kelli Kollings, Jacob Sutherland, Matthew and Olivia Groh; and Jack and Luke Kollings and great-grandson Mason Tell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa or Holy Trinity Catholic Church in loving memory of Tom Kollings.
