Chester "Chet" David Kolwe

Chester "Chet" David Kolwe, 69, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. He was born August 18, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Oswald B. Kolwe and Elaine Bohning Kolwe. 

He resided in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1972. He spent his years working as a farmer, commercial fisherman, and most recently general manager at Bohning and Company, where he retired, after 30 years, in June of 2022. He rarely met a stranger and always greeted others with his smile. He could often be found outdoors, whether hunting or fishing or working in his garden with his grandsons. He also enjoyed attending the LSU baseball games, a passion he shared with his brothers. He was a true family man, with a heart of gold; always putting the needs of others before his own. 

Chet is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Gloria B. Kolwe, whom he married on January 23, 1981. He was the loving father of Aimee (Ryan) Short, and beloved “Pawde” to his two grandsons, Levi James Short and Noah David Short. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Mark (Bess) Kolwe, John (Miriam) Kolwe, and Kay Kolwe Coon (Frank Janotta); aunts, Mary Morgan and Margaret Price; uncle, John Bohning; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald and Elaine Kolwe; grandparents, Chester and Winnie Bohning and Oswald and Rose Kolwe; uncle, William Bohning; and cousin, Mary Liz Beaton.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home - Ponchatoula, 100 W. Magnolia St., Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at the Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Wetmore Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the ALS Clinic at Ochsner, New Orleans, the staff of Passages Hospice, especially his nurse Andreka, and the staff of North Oaks Pulmonology Clinic, especially Dr. Arvind Yertha, for their compassionate care.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to Team Gleason or the ALS Association in his memory.