Josef "Happy Joe" Kolat

Josef “Happy Joe” Kolat, 86, Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday July 27, 2022, at his home.  He was born in Jasenovce, Czechoslovakia to the late John and Anna (Javorska) Kolat on March 2, 1936.  He married Anna Stefaniak in October of 2006, and she survives.

Josef was a veteran of the Polish Army. He was the Owner and Operator of Happy Joe's Bar and Grill in New Carlisle, he also worked as a semi-trailer service repairman in Chicago for Maurello Services.  He had a passion for singing, playing the accordion, and loved listening to music. He enjoyed working on cars and hunting. 

Josef is survived by his wife Anna; his children, Lillian (Chester) Ciezczak, John Kolat, Anna August and Margaret (Barry) McGee; grandchildren, Christopher, Joanne (Stefano), Elizabeth, Andrew, Alexandra, Adam, Aaron, Caleb, Abbigail, and Gracie; great grandchildren, Alister, Tyson and Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Mary Swacha.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 pm on Monday August 1, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, IN., with the Rev. Fr. Elliot Zak as celebrant.  Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Monastery of the Poor Clares.  Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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