It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Francis Kohlman on December 25, after a brief battle with cancer.
Frances was born in Denzil, Saskatchewan on October 18, 1930 to George and Katherine Kohlman. He was the third of five children. He grew up on a farm in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan in a family that valued the love of God, love of family and love of the land.
The hard work ethic that he was raised with eventually evolved into an entrepreneurial spirit that led him down career paths that always involved his passion for driving and big trucks.
Francis met his wife, Ollie Kretz, in the fall of 1949 at the Christmas dance. She was the new girl in town and it took no time at all for Francis to set his sights on Ollie. They were married on July 23, 1952. They had five children, one son and four daughters. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. True to his entrepreneurial spirit, Francis and Ollie had several business ventures together from owning a restaurant to building Libra Transport – a trucking business based in St. Albert, Alberta. Libra Transport has been in operation since 1976 and is now a family run business. In 2006, Francis was awarded the Golden Achievement Award for over 50 years of dedicated service to the trucking industry by the American Truck Historical Society.
Francis never fully retired and loved going into the office when he and Ollie weren’t travelling. Ollie and Francis loved to travel and travelled extensively. Driving was his passion and they put thousands of miles on their motor home. They enjoyed cruises, European travels, 18 winters in Arizona, but his favourite spot was Hawaii.
Although travels afar are special memories, the most treasured time away was spent with family and friends at their family cottage at Pierce Lake, Saskatchewan. In 2012 Francis and Ollie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, renewing their vows at the cottage with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Francis was a devoted and caring husband and father. His strong faith in God, his calm and caring demeanor, exceptional ethics, honesty and loyalty set him apart as a wonderful role model for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. These qualities contributed to his success as a great leader in his business. He was a good listener and was always compassionate to the needs of his employees.
Francis is lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Ollie Kohlman; his daughters, Pat (Denis Frehlich), Lori(Terry Bucharski), Donna (Ken Nelson), Karen (Hal Schneider); grandchildren, Christopher, Nicole, Trevor, Lindsay, Megan, Bradley, Curtis, Stephanie and Adam; great grandchildren, Evan, Lauren, Maddillion, Payton, Kate, Presley, Easton, Brooks and more to come.
He is predeceased by his son, Pte.Steven J. Kohlman, his parents and sisters, Mary and Tillie.
The family regrets that due to Covid 19 restrictions, a Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated with only his wife and children in attendance. The family invites you to view the Funeral Mass by clicking here.
A Celebration of Francis’ Life is set for October 18, 2021, his birthday. (COVID allowing).
Details will be on the Connelly McKinley website under his obituary closer to the date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Albert Catholic Parish, 7 St.Vital Avenue, St. Albert, Alberta, T8N 1K1.
Christine Jaschinski/Stephen Pickles says
To Ollie, and family. So sorry for your loss.
Ruth Mineault and family says
Sorry for your loss Ollie and family. He was a great man. He will be missed . He was like a father to the Libra crew.
Ruth Mineault and family says
Sorry for your loss Ollie and family. He was a great man. He will be missed . He was like a father to the Libra crew.
ollie and famiy says
thanks so much.we appreciate your words. He was a great man and I was so blessed to have Him in my life for 68 years
Fr. Michael Mateyk says
Francis was truly a man of class and character. I was very blessed to have him as my confirmation sponsor. he had a big heart and was the most generous man. Know that he will be in my prayers and I will be remembering him at my masses over these next several days. God bless
Susan Moffet says
Dear Ollie, Pat, Lori, Donna and Karen,
Please accept our most sincere sympathy for the passing of Francis. I remember him as always having a twinkle in his eye. He leaves a tremendous legacy in the strong family and successful business he leaves behind.
May he rest in peace.
Susan and Harry Moffet
Brett Carpendale says
I enjoyed working for Francis in the time I spent with Libra. He was very personable and easy to work alongside. Sorry to hear about his passing.
Gail says
Dear Ollie, our deep condolences on the passing of Francis. You and your family are in our prayers.
Gail and Harold Foss
Chris Baltzan says
To Pat and Denis, Tamara and Benjamin join me in sending our prayers and sympathy on your Dad’s passing. Over the years Denis has shared with me the special person your father was and the tribute to him certainly confirms all those wonderful things. Please know our thoughts are with you both.
Mary and Jack O’Neill says
Dear Ollie and family, My prayers and thoughts are with you. May Francis Rest In Peace and may you find comfort and peace in the memories of Francis’ life well lived. Mary O’Neill
Glenda (Middleton) Haughian says
To the Kohlman family:
So very sorry to hear that Francis has passed away. He, Ollie and their kids were wonderful neighbours and friends of my family back in the early 1960s. On behalf of myself and my mother, Mona Middleton, please accept our sincerest condolences.
Ollie Kohlman says
Thanks you so much for remembering us this time. I would love to catch up with you Glenda. I am going to look you up on Facebook maybe we can connect.
Ollie
Mike and Maria Mateyk says
Dear Ollie and family , we are very sad to hear of Francis’ passing and will always remember his smile, gentleness and sweet disposition.
Thankfully we were able to spend some time with you both last summer… each moment appreciated and remembered.
His even temperament was an example for all of us.
Your visits to Ontario for a wedding and an Ordination was an example of your dedication and friendship . Thank you .
We are thinking of you, love from Mike and Maria
Alex & Debbie Wowk says
Alex & I were honoured to have Ollie & Francis as our neighbours at Pierce Lake for over 20 years. We spent many hours throwing shoes (horse) at our significant others. We will miss Francis dearly. Our condolences to the family.
Luv Debbie & Alex
Brenda Randall says
Dear Ollie,
I am very sorry to learn Francis has passed away. The two of you have been completely devoted to each other and you have gone through life shoulder to shoulder all these many years.
There are no words to take away sadness when you lose someone you love. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family, sending our love and wishing you strength and comfort in your memories and in each other.
Sincerely from Brenda, Shay and Family
Ollie Kohlman says
Hi Brenda
Thank you for your condolences. I would love to catch up with you, send me note olliekohlman@gmail.com. We are neighbours, I live in Botanica.
Ollie
Dolores Scott says
Ollie I was deeply saddened to hear about your dear husband. Sending our prayers and support to you and your family.
Rob and Corinne Bishop says
Ollie, Pat, Chris,
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Francis. I enjoyed the times that I was able to speak with him, as he was such an amazing man. On behalf of Corinne and I, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Thinking of you all, Rob and Corinne Bishop
Jim and Camille Earl says
Dear Ollie and Family, thinking of you at this time of sadness. Jim and I were surprised to learn of Francis’ passing, as it was only a few months ago you were crossing the border to return to Canada after a happy trip abroad. May God grant you peace and comfort and may Francis’ soul rest in peace.
Blessings, Jim and Camille Earl.
Russ Bridge says
Sorry to hear of this loss
My condolences to Ollie and the family. RIP Francis
Jackie Schumacher says
Dearest Ollie, My heart breaks for your loss of Francis in your everyday life. He was very kind to me and he knew how special our friendship is. 68 years of marriage and I don’t think you ever said anything negative about him. That’s so remarkable and a testament to your own character and love for him, as it is for your entire family. Re-united with Steven now, I’m sure he will be your guardian angel and always by your side. I send my warmest love and deep heartfelt condolences. Respectfully, your old buddy, who is hoping to see you in the new year… sometime.
Jackie ( and Rod) Schumacher ❤️❤️
Ryan & Leslie McFarland says
Ollie and family,
Ryan and I offer our deepest condolences. We are so sad to hear of Francis’ passing. Please know we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Sending our love….
Kevin & Judy Smith says
Ollie, We are deeply saddened to hear about your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kevin & Judy Smith
Former Libra lease operator
Jack and Pearl Thomson (Unit #93 Tribear Transport) says
It was a privilege to know such a great man. No one can prepare you for a loss, however, take comfort in knowing that Francis is now resting in the arms of our Lord. May he rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Dianne and Gary Malanchen says
Ollie and Family,
We are sad to hear of Francis’s passing. We enjoyed being your neighbour for many years and enjoyed the many times we spent with you in Arizona. Francis was a kind and gentle man. We will miss his good company. You and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Dianne and Gary
John & Amanda Cornell says
Dear Ollie and Family. We are saddened to learn of Francis passing. Just a few days ago we were reminiscing about our time with Libra, especially working with you, Ollie, and Francis. We have so many good memories, and will always remember Francis, his optimism and determination. Our thoughts are with you. John & Amanda Cornell
Richard and Tracey Zawalusky says
Dear Ollie and family,
Richard and I are so sorry for your loss. Francis was always so kind to Richard and I and he will be missed. We are sending you hugs and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers💕 Richard and Tracey Zawalusky