H. Paul Kolloff

H. Paul Kolloff, 78, of Niles died peacefully Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began May 8, 1947 in Dowagiac, Michigan the second of two children born to Hank and Yolanda Kolloff. He married Ann Gorman January 14, 1984 in Niles, Michigan.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman who lived a life rooted in nature; with a curiosity for the sky, passion for NASA, and gazing up at the night sky to appreciate the mysteries of space. He proudly served as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, carrying that experience with quiet strength throughout his life. After serving, he attended Southwestern Michigan College before becoming a Senior Engineering Technician in Jet Propulsion. In his retirement, Paul greeted students at the North Dining Hall on Norte Dame’s campus. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was a steward for Topinabee Lake Preserve from its origin in 1995. Paul passionately cared about the local farm community and tended to a bountiful garden for many years. On a sunny day, he could be found taking a joy ride in his ’93 Jeep Wrangler with his beloved beagles, Ginger and Molly, through town or bringing donations to the Humane Society. He also enjoyed bowling and had a deep interest in history, particularly stories of the Civil War which he was always eager to learn and share what he discovered. He a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge where camaraderie and community were important parts of his life. Some of his most cherished memories were created by spending meaningful time on Drummond Island with family and friends.

Paul will be remembered as a man of independence and strength, whose deep love, passion, and unshakable will carried him through life and left a lasting imprint on all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Ann Kolloff of Niles; daughter, Stephanie (Casey) Kolloff O’Neill of Tampa, Florida; two nieces, Rachel Gorman of Whiting, Indiana, Chimene Alexander of Killeen Texas; and one nephew, John Paul Alexander of Phoenix, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Alexander.

Family and friends will gather for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles. A funeral service will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery where Mr. Kolloff will be accorded Full Military Honors.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Paul be made to Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, 8395 East Main Street, Galesburg, Michigan 49053 or via swmlc.org/honor-gifts-memorials or to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5400 South Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085 or via humanesocietyswm.org/pages/donations.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.