Edward Caesar Joseph Kolpak , Jr., (1942 - 2015) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

"I will fail you, but God never will."

72 years old
Born on September 13, 1942 in Oregon, Illinois, United States
Passed away on March 23, 2015 in Chesapeake, Virginia, United States

A Prayer for those we love:
"Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to the never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come (Dad and Kami), knowing you are doing for them better things than we can desire and pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Tributes

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March 23

Ed Kolpak's work on earth continues to bear much fruit. The school he built in Wichita ( LIFE PREP ACADEMY ) that his daughter pioneered has grown to over 430 students. Included in that number are International students from over 30 countries. This year alone over 100 students have come to know the Lord. Kami's vision & Ed's building skills & Ed/Marie s financial contributions were key in making this happen. The school has risen to prominence in many areas. We were honored to have Tim Tebow dedicate the new facility in 2023. Thank you Ed for EVERYTHING.

March 23, 2023

We miss having our coffee with you every morning and prayer. Getting ready to attend a gala where you and Kami invested a lot of your life and energies into the Rotola church families in Wichita. You have quite a legacy!

March 23, 2023

Thank you Dad for introducing me to my amazing siblings , their spouses and kids I am so grateful. Also for my amazing Mom Marie who has loved me and my kids from the beginning.

September 14, 2022

Ed, I just wanted to tell you thanks. There are a number of really good memories I have with you and your family, but I'm eternally thankful for your youngest daughter. Kristin has been not only a Gift from the Creator as my wife and most dedicated and faithful friend, but she is truly the best person I've ever known. Despite a lot to overcome, you and Marie produced an amazing woman. And, the older I get, the more I realize how difficult and complicated life can be, which makes me appreciate you even more.

September 14, 2021

The christian school Ed built is the school his daughter Kami birthed and ran. It was recognized in the state of Kansas this year as THE MOST DIVERSE SCHOOL IN ALL OF KANSAS. It has students from 35 countries and a myriad of religions at the start of each year. By the end of each year about 75 of those students become christians. We have had to add 5 portable buildings since I7Ed built the 22,600 sf school. Next year if we raise the support we are going to more than DOUBLE the size. We cannot fit the students who wish to attend. Kami's dream was to build a school with World Class Standards. In 2020 our school"s SCHOLARS TEAM won the Midwest SCHOLARS BOWL and was represented in the Natl championship competition. It all started with Ed and Kami. The school is LIFE PREP ACADEMY. Great job ED and KAMI. Rob Rotola

March 23, 2020

A tribute song has been published for Kami today. You really cannot remember one without the other. They were such a team in everything Dad ever proposed! The tribute to Kami's fight for her life and children is a tribute to the Dad who gave her the example to press on against all odds. I love you both!

March 23, 2020

5 years since you have entered new life, with Kami. You both always tried to be an example of thriving in the midst of adversity. Your example is an inspiration during this time of a pandemic which has kept us all from gathering in Seaside, OR to celebrate with Travis (your grandson) his wedding to Janet. We remember you today!

Kristin

March 23, 2018

We are so thankful for the many "deposits" you made in our lives--today we remembered how you instilled a love for travel. Taking you to Poland with me is a highlight memory for me--we met in Berlin, rode the train to Gdansk together--I did my work meetings and you drove to see where your family came from.

September 14, 2017

Dad--yesterday was your birthday and I am preparing to go to Wichita to see the school building you were a part of building and where Kami was a part of the founding. What a joy to continue to build upon your legacy of faith and triumph through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kristin

September 13, 2017

Even though this lacks any true value, football season has started again and it sure would be nice to be able to share it with you. Your Rams are back in LA again & they opened up with a dominating win Sunday.

Much more importantly, we know you are enjoying seeing your sister, Patsy, again! And, you would be very pleased to see all the amazing things your grandkids are doing and accomplishing. Ed, you are missed!

March 25, 2017

There"s a memorial in my heart ... It is for Ed and Kami... now in the presence of Lord. His legacy is his family. Marie, Karen ,and Kristin you mean so much to us. I can’t help but remember the life of God that you all invested in the life of our young ministry and family, at church, at camp, and as friends. Our fellowship with Ed and all of you has made our lives brighter and is a glory to the name of Jesus. Our love to you. I miss you all. Dennis Gerard.

March 24, 2017

Pastor/Father/ Father to many in the Baldwin Children's Home/ Legendary Giver/ Engineer,/ Builder / Construction Mgr: if the world today had 1 million Ed Kolpaks it would be very close to heaven on earth. You were a DIFFERENCE MAKER at the HIGHEST LEVEL and in NUMEROUS AREAS. Tell Kami hello from everyone at the school.

March 23, 2017

Dad--I love being out here in California where you made your mark and left it. Driving over the Vincent Thomas bridge overlooking the L.A. Harbor is so inspiring. Stamped in the concrete all around Naples, CA is Sully Miller, the engineering firm you worked for. Our landlord knows of your reputation as being a legendary engineer. We are thankful for you and your faith, work ethic and hope. Missing your smile today!

March 23, 2017

I know you are enjoying heaven and learning how to rule and reign ..
missing you and reminded often of the fond memories we shared.

September 17, 2016

Always missed!!!

September 13, 2016

Ed, I have fond memories of your love for all people. You are the greatest giver I ever met. Your work ethic was hardly matched. However your greatest legacy is your kids and grandkids and the next generation after them. Having met each of your children and Rock/ Kami's children, there is much evidence of the blessing on your family tree. I know Marie has such a devotion to her grandchildren. They are in good hands.

March 23, 2016

Remembering you today, Dad!

September 15, 2015

I know how much Ed is missed by all the families. He was such a fun guy when he came and visited his nephew Joey. Much good thoughts for all the families.

September 14, 2015

We are thankful that the K-12 Christian School that Ed build and his daughter Kami founded recently had a tremendous addition! A beautiful International Student Housing Complex is now in use for 60 students. The school, founded in 1999 is going strong and doing wonderful in every way. Visit www.LifePrep,US to view pictures and learn about the school that Ed Kolpak built.

May 10, 2015

I remember Ed as a man who loved his wife and daughters deeply. He was a hard worker and a person that motivated others to achieve their best. I honor this husband and father.

April 3, 2015

Resr in paradise Mr.Kolpak(Ed) u will be truly missed thank you for everything and i send my condolences to your family I'm glad that you are no longer suffering and are with Jesus now love always Sam Eure and Loretta Eure and family.

March 31, 2015

Grandpa, I have only great memories of you. I am truly happy that you were able to spend the last years of your life living in "the wild." Thank you for all of you investments in people that have affect my life path and for your direct influence when I was younger. I'm excited and at peace that you are in heaven with mom right now.

March 30, 2015

My family and I were fortunate enough to know this family for many years. My most vivid memory of Ed was his overwhelming compassion and love he had for his family and his Lord Jesus. Ed was a great example of God's tremendous love for his children in the way that he loved his own. Some of my earliest church memories are filled with spending time with the Kolpak's and hanging out with Kami, Karen, and Kristin. I was honored to spend two months with Kami in the Phillipines spreading God's word to the lost, and I am blessed to have Kristin as my lifelong friend. Ed Kolpak, you were a gift from God during your time here on earth, rest in his loving arms. I can't imagine how awesome it is to hear God open his arms wide open and say " Well done my good and faithful servant".

John 14: 1-3 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms: if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

God bless you and your family. We love you - Jason Williamson (Phelan)

March 30, 2015

My first real memory of my Uncle Ed was driving in a Uhaul from Globe, AZ in 1981 to move my Mom (his sister) and her kids to start a new life in California. Patsy was always so afraid, but Uncle Ed made that trip so much fun just like he did with everything...

Well, 34 years later we are all still here after surviving the farm lifestyle in beautiful Greeley Hill And me surviving Fred the Pig!

It was really great to see Uncle Ed and Aunt Marie a couple of years ago when my brother Vince passed. God bless all of the family and hope to see you really soon. Love you! Cousin Jerry wife Caroline and kids Maya and Max

March 30, 2015

Dear Wonderful Kristen, I love you very much and you are in my prayers as you are going through this hard time. I really did not know your father very well so it is hard for me to lay out some really meaningful thought other than to say if he was someone you cared about then he is someone I care about as well. Knowing he is in the greatest place there is communing with God face to face is a wonderful thing to know. I also see he was from OREGON (even though it was Illinois) and that fact alone explains a great deal of your greatness. I love you sis. Keep your head up. He is in a happy place!

March 29, 2015

We are so sorry to hear about Ed's passing and our love to all the family. He left behind a great testimony and even greater legacy in the lives of his girls. Thanks for investing your faith in another generation that carries on with Jesus as you take up your place cheering them on from heaven. May God's grace and comfort be very present and minister to every friend and family member.

March 28, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers
To this wonderful man and his family.
We are sorry for your loss.

March 28, 2015

Grandpa, you are the best example of a fighter I can look to. I know that whatever I may face, you've overcome much worse. To have seen you stick to God throughout so much hardship will forever keep me trusting the Lord. You were as good a grandpa as I could have ever needed, and you made me laugh every time I was with you. I will always strive to be as strong and compassionate as you were, and I will forever love and miss you.

March 28, 2015

Ed, I don't think I have known anyone who was as much of a survivor as you. To endure much of what life threw at you, and to not allow that to define who you were is a testament to your toughness. Not becoming a bitter and negative person is also a tremendous example of what Jesus can do when given access to someone's heart. Sure, like all of us, you were not without fault, but that is just proof we are in need of a Savior ... and, you were not too proud to embrace Him.

Also, thank you for giving me some of the best advice I could ever have gotten. When asking Marie and you for your permission to marry Kristin, you essentially gave it to me conditionally: you thought I would be a good husband to her, but that it wouldn't truly be known for 20 or more years down the road. A valuable life lesson ... actions, especially over time, speak much louder than words.

Rest in God's Peace, Ed.

March 27, 2015

A very special man, full of kindness and unconditional love for his family and anyone he crossed paths with during his life. So blessed to have had you as my Uncle.

March 27, 2015

Brother......My hope is that you are at peace, without pain, and know you will be missed by all. You were always so strong (his football coach called him "the 135 pound brute"). And you were strong at the end. We love you and hoping there is the most beautiful golf course in heaven so you can finally practice like you always wanted to do.

March 27, 2015

I'll sure miss those Walmart gift cards! I'll never forget your amazing personality and I'm glad that you're in a better place now. Love you Grandpa!
Alyssa

March 27, 2015

May the Love of Christ Jesus keep you strong in His Peace.

March 27, 2015

Always sadness for the suspension of any loving relationship...until we meet again is so hard at the end of earthly life, but the MercyMe song "I Can Only Imagine" speaks to his joy. May the Comforter carry your family....until reunion day.

March 26, 2015

Sorry about the loss. My prayers go out to the family. Ed may you rest in peace and we will meet again.

March 26, 2015

Thinking of you and sending my love and prayers during this time of sadness.

March 26, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

March 26, 2015

What a wonderful job Kristin putting this tribute together. It was always fun to visit with Ed when he came to visit Joey & Cindy. My condolences to all the family. I know he will be very missed.

March 26, 2015

Thanks for giving me life and unconditional love. Also for bringing our families together.

March 26, 2015

May you rest in the arms of Jesus Dear Ed

March 26, 2015

Some of my fondest childhood memories are when the Kolpaks would come visit us. My mom and Marie are cousins but they make everyone they meet feel like family. One visit coincided with a Girl Scout trip I was looking forward to but their visits were the ultimate. Ed created a hike for all of us girls to go on and I got a badge. I felt so special. Yesterday I was telling my son God's love is everywhere and he of course argued it was not in a tree and I said especially there. Ed inspired the notion that God was love and connection to all things and the divine was simply beautiful.

March 25, 2015

Grandpa you had so much love to share. I'm thankful that you're finally freed from your emotional and physical pains.

March 25, 2015

To Ed, who left living proof that he was a good father and grandpa.............wonderful children and grandchildren, who will miss him.

March 25, 2015

So many great memories of Uncle Ed. Rest in Peace.

March 25, 2015

I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives. He lives, he lives, who once was dead. He lives, my every living head.
He lives triumphant from the grave. He lives eternally to save. He lives exalted, throned above. He lives to rule his Church in love.
He lives to grant me rich supply. He lives to guide me with his eye. He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears. He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above. He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to help in time of need.
He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly friend. He lives and loves me to the end. He lives and while he lives I'll sing. He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives and I shall conquer death. He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to his name. He lives, my Savior, still the same. What joy this blest assurance gives. I know that my Redeemer lives.

March 24, 2015

Thinking of your family during this time.

March 24, 2015

Thinking of you at this sad time and sending love and sympathy to all the family.

March 24, 2015

It's hard to find the words to say. He instilled many, many important values in my sisters and me. I owe him so much. He was a good father!

March 24, 2015

Ed was such a loving man! Every time we spent time with him he always treated us like family. Our prayers for peace and comfort for his precious family. We know that we all will see him again.

March 24, 2015

Love you Grandpa <3 I'm so glad you are in a better place!

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March 23

March 23, 2023

Thank you Dad for introducing me to my amazing siblings , their spouses and kids I am so grateful. Also for my amazing Mom Marie who has loved me and my kids from the beginning.

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