John M. Kolln, Jr., aged 92, died July 4, 2024. Always the storyteller, he had a new story even in his last days. Jack was born August 26, 1931 in West Salem, Oregon to the late John M. and Alice (Cole) Kolln, Sr. He graduated from Silverton High School where he met Martha Storruste; they married that summer and Jack went to work in a lumber mill. It was hard work and he saw he needed a different path in life. On the advice of a trusted teacher, he went to college on an athletic scholarship. After graduation he started his career as a public school teacher in Tracy, California. He later moved to Patterson, California.

He always had a sense of adventure so when he decided he needed a master's degree he chose the eastern most college that accepted him, Penn State. The whole family settled in to life in State College. After graduating he was offered a position in the engineering graphics department. He had enjoyed teaching freshman engineers and happily accepted. After a few years Jack found a small farm not far out of town. The whole family was excited to move to the farm. The boys raised pigs and sheep and Jack planted several acres of grapes. After a few years he was making wine with the grapes and Kolln Vineyards was born. After several years of teaching and wine making, he retired from Penn State and devoted himself to the wine making business. The winery became a special place for both public and private events. He closed the winery in 1995 and devoted his retirement to his family and maintaining the farm. He is survived by his wife, Martha and his children, Kristi, Barbara, Tim and John. He was also loved by his four grandchildren, Jason DiClemente, Kristi DiClemente, Jeannine Kolln, Ella Kolln and great-granddaughters, Isabel and Samantha DiClemente.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 15, 2024 at 5:00pm at the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home 1034 Benner Pike State College, PA 16801. Private inurnment will take place at Centre County Memorial Park at the convenience of the family.

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com