John Kolacny

John Michael Kolacny, age 78 of Ellis, Kansas died Monday, September 8, 2025, at HaysMed - Hays.

John was born on March 12, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. His parents were Charles Sherman and Roberta (Hauetter) Kolacny. In 1968 he married Elizabeth “Liz” Rowland in Lawrence, Kansas.

He was an accomplished gardener, always paying strict attention to his rose bushes knowing they needed constant sunlight, and nutrients to reach their potential. He not only grew great roses but also cultivated and grew young boys and girls into great men and women as a 33-year educator and coach with USD 388. He had a profound impact on many students and athletes during his teaching/coaching career until his retirement in 2005.

He led the Ellis Railroader Golf Team to a State Championship in 1983 and was named State of Kansas Golf Coach of the Year in 2002-2003.

John was a man of faith and passed on to his posterity the values of doing things right, being kind to people, and trusting in God.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz; their children: Callie Kolacny of Hays, Kansas, and Jarrett (Savanah) Kolacny of Grand Junction, Colorado. Grandchildren: Grace (Jake) Sebesta, Tenaya Kolacny, and Teyana Kolacny, and a great-grandson: Erik Sebesta all of Grand Junction, Colorado. Also surviving are his siblings: Charles Sherman Kolacny, III of Abeline, Kansas and Louise Kolacny of Berthoud, Colorado.

John was preceded by his parents.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Following the memorial service, friends are invited to join the family at the Ellis Golf Club, 1301 Spruce Street Ellis, Kansas 67637 beginning at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: The Ellis High School Railroader Golf Team and/or The Ellis Golf Club in care of the Funeral Chapel.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with John's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com