Karl T. Kolstad

Karl T. [Bud] Kolstad, Businessman and Civic Leader, Dead at_100. Karl T. [Bud] Kolstad, a prominent Alexandria businessman and civic leader well-known for his boundless enthusiasm, love of life, and passion for music, died Friday, September 5th at Ecumen Bethany Community. He was 100 years of age. Bud was born on October 13, 1913, the son of Inga [Torgerson] and C.A. “Spot Cash” Kolstad. Just two years prior to his birth, his father had started Kolstad Clothing Company, a men's haberdashery. Bud helped out in the store and, after graduating high school in 1931, worked there full-time, gradually assuming all responsibilities. He ran the store until his retirement in 1980. On Christmas Day in 1938, Bud married Naomi Tangen of New Prairie, Minnesota. They shared a long, loving life together, giving of their time and talents to family and friends, churches, and other organizations. Music was their life. They sang in choral groups, choirs, operettas and oratorios and at countless weddings and funerals. Bud was a 50-year member of the First Lutheran Church choir, a board member and church recording secretary. He was instrumental in the formation of the Alexandria Area Chorus and Orchestra [now known as the Alexandria Area Arts Association]. Along with the late Harold Bergby, Bud was an organizer of the well-known, 110-voice Runic Male Chorus. He was also the bass singer with the popular Blue Notes Quartet (Dale Anderson, Vince DiNino, and Murrae Freng) which performed throughout the Midwest in the 1950s. He was a past President of the Alexandria Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. In addition, he was the club's song leader for 54 years and was presented with the “Outstanding Rotarian” citation. He served on the Alexandria School Board during which two new schools---Jefferson High School and Lincoln Elementary---were constructed. Bud served on the City Recreation Board, the Park Board, Kinkead Cemetery Association and the Chamber of Commerce. He was an Honorary Member of the Future Farmers of America, and was appointed to the outstate Boards of both Camp Courage and The Salvation Army. Karl was preceded in death by Naomi, his wife of 67 years. He is survived by his sons, Kurt [Cynthia] of Alexandria; Kristian [Joann] of Willmar; grandchildren, Christine [Steve] Arndt of Silverthorne, CO; Kenton of Fargo, ND; Jenna of Gilbert, AZ; and great-grandchildren, Christian, Jordan and Emily Arndt. The funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria on Tuesday, September 16th at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Kinkead Cemetery. Memorials, for those wishing to offer them, should be sent to The Salvation Army.

Karl T. Kolstad

October 13, 1913 - September 5, 2014