Patricia J Kolk

Patricia J “Patti” Kolk (nee Jirberg), beloved wife of Richard Jr, loving mother of Richard III (Yu Zhao) and Kelli Sullivan-Kolk (Kathryn), entered into rest on Friday, July 3, 2026 after a courageous 40-year battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell J and Kathryn J Jirberg (nee Lingler). Patti was niece to Jane (Lingler) and Frank Schwanitz and to Jack Lingler (all deceased), cousin to Jim Lingler (deceased) (Betty), Jack Lingler (Linda), Faith (Lingler) Kuschmeider (Larry, deceased), Kathy (Schwanitz) Kocik (Mark) and Bill Schwanitz. She was daughter-in-law to Richard Sr (deceased) and Mary Ruth Kolk, sister-in-law to Mary Meyer, Teri Hedrick (Doug), Sharon Janiak (Bill) and Bob Kolk (Karen), and was an extended family member to many.

Patti was a life-long resident of Parma, Ohio and a graduate of Normandy High School and Baldwin Wallace University. Although her degree was in Finance, her favorite occupation was as a music teacher at institutions such as Royalton Music Center and Gitterpicker String Factory, as well as also by welcoming students into her home. During her teaching career, she served for several years as president of the Cleveland Piano Teachers Organization.

In her leisure time, Patti played oboe and/or flute in organized musical performance groups such as Parma Symphony Orchestra, Cuyahoga Community College West Campus Concert Band, Cleveland Clinic Community Band, Brecksville/Broadview Heights Community Band, Independence City Band, The Enchanted Flutes and others.

Her love for music was superseded only by her love for her family. She enjoyed bowling with her parents, husband, friends and eventually with her children. She caddied for her son as he began learning to play golf. She engaged in most of her children’s activities, be it painting ceramics at The Kiln or The Painted Penguin or cheering the kids on during recreation league basketball, baseball, softball and soccer games (even serving as an assistant soccer coach for one season). She assisted them as they chose their musical instruments and went to every concert, play, football game, and parade. Patti was overjoyed that she was present to see both children marry, and was always excited to visit with her “Furry Grandbabies” which included several cats and dogs.

The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life event in the coming weeks, and information regarding that event will be distributed soon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Cancer Society.