David Kolesar

Born to George Kolesar and Babe Aakhus Kolesar on November 20th, 1935.  Dave was raised during the Great Depression and a member of the “Fortunate Generation”. He was too young to fight in WWII and the Korean War, too old to fight in Vietnam. But after graduating from Minneapolis Roosevelt High School (1953), he enlisted in the Army and served peacetime military service in Fort Knox, Kentucky (1954 -1956).  After the service, he received an education from the University of Minnesota and the School of Associated Arts. From 1957-1978, Dave was married to Myrna Adams. They had 3 children, Scott, Jeff, and Theresa (Terry).

Dave worked in Minneapolis for Reyn Guyer Design, Erwin Wasey Advertising, and Barickman & Selders Advertising. In 1970, Dave opened his own advertising agency, Glenn & Kolesar, later renamed Glenn, Kolesar, & Hartwell, and Kolesar & Hartwell. In 1990, Dave sold the agency to employees. Dave enjoyed being an entrepreneur, starting several additional small businesses. Dave was a mentor to many.

In 1983, Dave married Mary Speagh and for 40 years they've been inseparable. Dave enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, golfing, cooking, boating and being outdoors. When he retired in 1992, Dave and Mary moved to Crosslake, Minnesota. During 1995-1996 Dave served as Mayor of Crosslake and was always proud of his community efforts and accomplishments.

The wind was always at Dave's back and the road was mostly smooth. In the end, we all become stories and Dave was certainly a legend. He will be greatly missed.

Dave is survived by his wife, Mary Kolesar. Children: Scott Kolesar, Jeff Kolesar, Terry (Vinnie) DiNella. Four grandkids: Amie Kolesar, David Kolesar II, Sabrina DiNella and Miranda DiNella.  One great grandson: Jackson Kolesar. Dave lost his younger sister, Donna Koehler, in September, 2019. Dave is also survived by close family: sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, five nephews and one niece, several great nephews and great nieces. He is survived by his loyal dog, Cru. And Dave's best friend since age 2, Pete Reynolds. Dave had lots of great friends and leaves a big hole in all our hearts.

At Dave's request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be donated to pheasantsforever.org, wildandfree.org, or nationallooncenter.org