ORVILLE A. KOLLASCH, LT, USN
Orville Kollasch '68
Lucky Bag
From the 1968 Lucky Bag:
ORVILLE ALVIN KOLLASCH
Estherville, Iowa
Orv came to the Academy after graduation from high school in Estherville, Iowa. He brought with him a special spirit, sincerity, and desire which seems to show wherever he goes. After lettering in football and track, along with wrestling, Orv proved himself to be quite a versatile athlete at USNA participating in intramural boxing, crew, Softball, lightweight football, squash, handball, ract time, and gymnastics. His ability and determination proved to be a real asset to every team he played on. Just ask him about his early morning walks out to the sea wall and back. When he was not working on academics, Orv was actively engaged in the Big Brother program and the Newman club. His devotion, drive and unselfishness will certainly make him a respected Naval Officer and an asset to his country.
He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff (2nd set).
ORVILLE ALVIN KOLLASCH
Estherville, Iowa
Orv came to the Academy after graduation from high school in Estherville, Iowa. He brought with him a special spirit, sincerity, and desire which seems to show wherever he goes. After lettering in football and track, along with wrestling, Orv proved himself to be quite a versatile athlete at USNA participating in intramural boxing, crew, Softball, lightweight football, squash, handball, ract time, and gymnastics. His ability and determination proved to be a real asset to every team he played on. Just ask him about his early morning walks out to the sea wall and back. When he was not working on academics, Orv was actively engaged in the Big Brother program and the Newman club. His devotion, drive and unselfishness will certainly make him a respected Naval Officer and an asset to his country.
He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff (2nd set).
Shipmate
From the November 1972 issue of Shipmate:
Lt. Orville Alvin Kollasch, USN, died as a result of an aircraft accident during night carrier landing practice at NAS Lemoore, Ca., on 7 June. Memorial services were held 9 June at the base chapel. Funeral services were on the 12th in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Grand Rapids, Mich. Burial followed in Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery.
Lt. Kollasch was born in Estherville, Iowa. In high school he belonged to the Honor Society and the Student Council as well as being a class officer. He was also active in football, basketball, wrestling and track. He continued his active interest in sports at the Naval Academy and was president of the Big Brothers of America his first class year. He majored in aeronautical engineering.
Following graduation in 1968 he went to Pensacola for flight training. He continued training at Meridian and completed it in Kingsville, Tx., with VT-23 in November 1969. He was kept on duty there as assistant operations officer and later aviation safety officer. While there he transitioned to A-4's and was qualified in helicopters. In August 1971 he was assigned to NAS Lemoore with VA-122.
He is survived by his widow, Susan of Lemoore, CA; a son of 18 months, Scott Ryan Kollasch; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Kollasch of Estherville, Iowa.
Other
Orville was very involved with Big Brothers of America while a midshipman and was a recipient of the Francis X. Shevlin award. In addition he served as the Sixth Battalion's Sub-Commander in early 1968.
During high school, Orville served as President of the Student Council his senior year. He was involved in athletics (football, basketball, and track), was in the Junior Play, and was a member of the National Honor Society.
On April 21, 1969 his hometown's local paper, the Estherville Daily News, carried the following piece to update former neighbors of his progress in the Navy:
Jet Training Navy Ensign Orville A. Kollasch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville E. Kollasch of 702 S. 11th St, Estherville, and husband of the former Miss Susan V. Ryan of 15 Bel-Air Drive, N. E.,Grand Rapids, Mich., completed basic jet flight instruction at the Naval Air Station, Meridian, Miss.
During five to six weeks as a student with Training Squadron Nine, he mastered the techniques of jet acrobatics and formation flying. He acquired some 48hours of flight time in the squadron's North American T-2 "Buckeye" jet training aircraft.
The curriculum also included 200 hours of academic instruction in aircraft engineering, meteorology, navigation, and naval leadership.
In addition to the survivors mentioned in Shipmates, Orville was survived by four siblings. He is buried in Michigan.
Photographs
From the November 1972 issue of Shipmate.
Orville Kollasch hands off the baton to teammate at high school track meet. From Estherville Daily News on April 20, 1963.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
