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Donald Norman Kolstee, 93, of Busti, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Jamestown.
He was born on January 5, 1933 in Clymer, a son of the late Albert Kolstee and Louise Barbara Trump Kolstee Lewis. He attended Clymer Central School and was involved in Boy Scouts. From an early age, he enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing. In his early years, he worked in Clymer for several area farmers, the Mohawk Condensed Milk Company, and the Clymer Bag Company. In 1951, he went to work at Crescent Tool. Donald served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, spending 15 months in Japan before returning to work at Crescent Tool.
He met Marlene Harrington while working at Crescent Tool, and they were married on May 21, 1955, at the First United Methodist Church in Jamestown. In 1956, he began working construction and joined Local 17 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. He also worked for Seiberg's Dairy/Lake County Dairy and the Unloading Company, and spent a year with Lectrolite Corporation in Defiance, Ohio. After several more years at Crescent Tool, he resumed construction work through Local 17, spending the remainder of his career on numerous projects throughout the area, including the Chautauqua Lake Bridge.
In 1965, the Kolstees built their home in Busti, where they raised their family and became active in the community. They traveled often, especially on camping trips with their children and friends to area campgrounds, as well as on annual trips to the Canadian National Exhibition or Florida. When his sons were involved in sports, Donald coached Little League baseball and roller hockey.
Donald enjoyed hunting and trap shooting with his sons and grandsons, watching sports, and attending his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's games and activities. He was an avid fan of the New York Rangers, New York Giants, and New York Yankees, and supported Jamestown Lakers Sled Hockey. He was patriotic, good at figuring out how things worked, and enjoyed household projects, including mowing his lawn. He spoke his mind and stood by his convictions, but also had a sharp, dry wit that was part of his everyday conversation. Above all, family was most important to him. He loved family gatherings and was always involved in their lives.
He was a member of the Lakewood United Methodist Church, Busti Trap & Skeet Club, where he served as president for many years, AMVETS Post 50, John W. Tiffany VFW Post 53, American Legion Memorial Post 1288, and Carroll Masonic Lodge 1147.
Donald is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marlene Kolstee; three children: Rodney (Peggy) Kolstee of Maple Springs, Kim (Alan) Strandburg of Fredonia, and Gregg (Amy) Kolstee of Jamestown; seven grandchildren: Daniel Kolstee of Maple Springs, Alan (Kayla) Strandburg III of Busti, Matthew (Rosie) Strandburg of Lakewood, Brandon (Ashley) Strandburg of Fredonia, Andrew Kolstee of Jamestown, Leisha (Cage) Arthurs of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Alex Kolstee of Jamestown; step-grandson William Kennelley of Jamestown; six great-grandchildren: Citori, Benelli, and Rossi Strandburg; Natalie and Damon Strandburg; and Jaxen Strandburg; many extended family members and longtime friends Sonny and Jackie Lund of Corry.
He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Kolstee, in 1937; his mother, Louise Trump Kolstee Lewis in 1985; his stepfather, Arthur Lewis in 1957; and siblings Charles (Phyllis) Kolstee in 2000; Howard (Stella) Kolstee in 1988; and Barbara (Howard) Reynolds in 2021.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lind Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lakewood United Methodist Church or the Busti Volunteer Fire Department.
To leave words of condolence for the family, please visit lindfuneralhome.com.