Skip Navigation

Remembering Walter Kolb

The text "Remembering Walter Kolb" on a black background.

Remembering Walter Kolb


Date

November 03, 2025

Tags


Walter Kolb, age 89, died peacefully on October 14, 2025, following a prolonged illness.

He was born in New York City on March 18, 1936, to Hans and Lina Kolb. He was raised in the Bronx and received a geology scholarship at Oklahoma State University. In time, his interests turned toward urban planning, and he went on to complete a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Walter served in the Air Force reserve.

In 1959, Walter married Judith Kunsman, with whom he had two children, Heidi Kolb Carpentieri and Howard Walter Kolb. Following their divorce, he married Susan Lewis in 2002.

Walter and Susan were world travelers and shared the distinction of visiting all seven continents. While Europe was a frequent destination, their adventures also took them along the Yangtze River in China, to the vibrant city of Marrakesh in Morocco, and across Australia, where they visited Sydney and the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock). They cruised the Panama Canal and traveled as far as Antarctica.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Howard. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Heidi and his son-in-law Robert; his granddaughter Caroline and her husband Brian; and his great-grandson, Lucas, all of Tallahassee.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 at Culley’s Funeral Home located at 1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local hospice.

 

Walter Kolb.

Walter Kolb


Recent Gibbs College News

February 02, 2026

Remembering Robert L. Wesley

Robert L. Wesley, a pioneering architect and beloved mentor, has died at age 88. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Wesley joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1964 and became the firm's first Black partner in 1984. Throughout his career, he contributed to significant architectural projects while maintaining a strong commitment to civic engagement and professional mentorship.


January 28, 2026

Gibbs Professor of Practice to Guest Lecture at Harvard, Honored for Indigenous Economic Development Leadership

The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to celebrate a series of recent accomplishments by Dr. Jim Collard, Professor of Practice in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design, whose work continues to shape conversations around Indigenous economic development nationally and internationally.


January 23, 2026

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Breaks Ground on Expansion Project

University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture Dean Hans E. [PA1.1]Butzer returned to one of his most significant works on December 15, joining survivors and past and present board members for the groundbreaking of a $15.8 million expansion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.