Gary J. Kollmann

Gary John Kollmann, age 86 of St. Peter and formerly of Nicollet, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at his home.

Memorial gathering will be at the Nicollet American Legion on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 2:00pm-5:00PM, with military honors provided by the Nicollet Legion Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred.

Gary John was born March 19, 1940 in Mankato, MN to Oscar and Doris (Steihm) Kollmann. He was raised in rural Nicollet and attended Nicollet High School. He served in the Army National Guard from 1959-1960. He was married to Rita Thill in 1961, and they later divorced. Gary John was a “Jack of all Trades”; being self-employed in many businesses in and around Nicollet, from Kollmann Radiator & Repair, Double K Bar Owner, Sno-Jet dealer, Pool Sales, School Bus Driver, Nicollet County Sheriffs’ Dispatcher & Reserve Deputy, to his last job manning the front desk the Nicollet Country Historical Center and through it all operated Gary’s Signs, with his signature style and ever present “GK”. Always a community champion, Gary served with many civic organizations: he was a Charter Member of the Nicollet Pacemakers, a Lifetime Member of the Nicollet Conservation Club, charter member Nicollet Lions Club, member of the Nicollet Fire Department, Nicollet American Legion, and the Red Men Club in St. Peter. Gary enjoyed painting, watching NASCAR, and anything to do with Ford cars & trucks. Most importantly, he liked to keep up with his family and grandkids activities.

Left to remember Gary are his daughters: Barbara (Michael) Holmin, and Becky (John) McKinley; grandchildren: Kyle Holmin (Jazmin), Alexandra (Kelly) Jacobson, Ashley Fischer (Brent), Justin McKinley (Julie), and Elizabeth McKinley (Kendall); great-grandchildren: Audrey, Lucy, Evelyn, Carter, and Amelia; sisters: Darlene Pehling, and Vicky Hudson; sister-in-law Sue Kollmann, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Ronald (Donna Mae), and James; brothers-in-law: Robert and Willard; and great grandson Wesley.