Leanne M. Kolar

Leanne Marie Kolar, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.

Leanne (Lee) attended Frankfort Grade Schools and was a proud graduate of Lincoln Way High School. She and her husband Bob established roots in Shorewood, Illinois in 1978 where they were so lucky to meet amazing neighbors who became lifelong friends and travel companions. Lee began her career as a legal secretary in downtown Joliet, before choosing to devote her time to raising her two children, Jeffrey Kolar and Jennifer (Kolar) Walter. As her children got older, Lee returned to work for Joliet Junior College Bookstore as an Accounts Payable Clerk for nearly 25 years, where she created lifelong friendships that continue to this day with the group gathering for monthly breakfasts.

In her youth, Leanne was a spirited tomboy who loved playing baseball on the family farm with her brother Terry and his friends, often holding her own as one of the best players on the field. She later shared her love of sports by coaching her daughter’s youth softball team. That passion continued throughout her life as she became an enthusiastic fan of her children’s and grandchildren’s sports/activities, as well as a loyal supporter of her Chicago teams, the Cubs, Bears, and yes, even the White Sox.

In her later years, Leanne found joy in reading, working on puzzles, and traveling with Bob, especially enjoying cruises during her early retirement. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Leanne is survived by her loving children, Jeffrey (Kimberly) Kolar and Jennifer (Philip) Walter; and her beloved grandchildren Nathan (20) and Zachary (17) Walter, and Jacob (14) and Kayla (12) Kolar. She is also survived by her brother Terry (Patricia) Schroeder and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kolar (2016), and her parents, Orval “Gus” Schroeder (2008) and Lola Schoeder (2009).

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, Illinois 60423. Public visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT, followed by a funeral service beginning at noon. Burial will take place afterward at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ (Frankfort, Illinois) or Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.