Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon officiating.
Tony Koenig was lector, Chad and Michelle Bentz presented gifts, and Christina and Sarah Spann were servers.
Music was provided by the Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony’s Church choirs, accompanied by Roberta Witt, organist.
Casket bearers were Allen Faatz, Kelly Jons, Tony Vogt, Greg Hausmann, Chad Bentz, and Danny Schmitz. Honorary casket bearers were Dave Marts, Rockey Waggoner, Chuck Hauer, and Doug Patterson.
Michelle Bentz was in charge of registration. Interment was in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Greg was born in La Mesa, CA, on June 20, 1957, to Noel and Helen Kollars. His family moved to South Dakota where he was raised on a farm near Tabor. He graduated in 1975 from Tyndall-Tabor High School. After graduation, Greg found himself in Bonesteel driving semi-truck for Jerome Koenig, then for Gary Vogt, while raising his children Jason and Angela. He then worked as a mechanic for Vogt’s Repair until he started his own business, Kollars Repair.
Greg was very active in the community. He had strong ties with the Immaculate Conception Church where he taught CCD, and was active in Quest, where he went on many retreats with the youth. His faith was strong. He was a member of the Bonesteel-Fairfax Knights of Columbus where he served as a Grand Knight. He was a training officer while serving the Bonesteel-Fairfax Fire Department, and served on the ambulance crew as an EMT.
Greg’s outgoing personality and work ethic led him to accept an offer from JJ Hunter. During the last 17 years as an engineering specialist, this venture moved him to several drilling sights, from Texas to North Dakota, back to Goliad, TX, and finally to his current residence in Midland, TX. Wherever he hung his hat, he left his residence refurbished, remodeled, and way better than when he first walked in the door. He never left a job undone. Even with the demanding hours of the oil field jobs, he still found time to make everything at home run smoothly.
Greg was reunited with Sherri Schmitz. Greg and Sherri were united in marriage on February 6, 2021. She joined him in Midland, TX, where they resided until his death.
Greg had a passion for riding and collecting Harleys. He loved to read and go to auctions, which led to an extensive library collection among other things. When he wasn’t working, he loved to check in with family and friends, even going as far as building a guest house for them to stay in. He would also fill his time tinkering on his Harleys, gardening, doing puzzles, and completing whatever projects Sherri tossed his way.
Gregory James Kollars “Smiley” of Midland, TX, passed away on Dec ember 31, 2022 in a single motorcycle accident in Goliad, TX. He was 65 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents Noel and Helen Kollars, sister- in-law Kathy Kollars, and niece Mikayla Waggoner.
Greg is survived by his wife Sherri of Midland, TX; brother Mike Kollars, McCook, SD; sister Mary Jo (Rockey) Waggoner of Yankton, SD; brother John (Linda) Kollars of Bronson, IA; son Jason Kollars of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Angela Kollars Zack of Brandon, SD; grandchildren Richard Bibb and Chase Zach, both of Brandon, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
