DARLINGTON - Kenneth LaVerne "Corby" Colbeck, age 60 of Darlington, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison with his family by his side. He was born on May 2, 1948 in Hazel Green, WI, to Clifford Colbeck and Lucille McWilliams Colbeck O'Neil. He graduated from Darlington High School in the Class of 1966. Corby proudly served in the United States Army from June 1968 to June 1970. On October 19, 1974, he was united in marriage to Diane Leahy at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Corby worked for Kelly Springfield for 15 years and was most known for the 25 years he spent working at the Lafayette County Highway Department. He was so proud of the work he did for the County and of the areas of Lafayette County that he was responsible for. He made daily visits to the Towne House for breakfast and to catch up on all the news. Corby was an avid golfer. He and Diane could often be found on the golf course, and they also enjoyed an occasional evening or trip together to the casino. Corby enjoyed card games of Yass and Euchre with friends and always looked forward to deer hunting with friends in Northern Wisconsin. As a sports fan, Corby liked to catch games and races on TV, especially college sports, Bucknell University, Packer's and Badger's football, and NASCAR. Corby will be remembered for his unique character and humor, his willingness to help people, and for his smile and harmless practical jokes.
Corby was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and of the Darlington Country Club and its Men's Golf League.
Survivors include his wife, Diane; a sister: Shirley (Donald) Fecht of Boscobel; his brothers: Harold (Linda) Colbeck of Monroe and Tom O'Neil of Colfax, WI; his father-in-law, James Leahy of Darlington; his brother- and sisters-in-law: Sharon Leahy of Lafayette, CO, Karen (David) Yaeger of Madison, Darleen (Roger) Bielefeldt of Machesney Park, IL, Marleen (Jim Odom) Burns of Aurora, CO, Phyllis Erickson of Dodgeville, Beverly Severson of Madison, WI, James (Kathy) Leahy Jr. of Rockton, IL, Nancy Leahy of Aurora, CO; and many nieces, nephews, co-workers, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Patrick O'Neil; his mother-in-law, Nilva Leahy; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Stewart.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH in Darlington, WI with Fr. Randy Budnar officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded. Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009 at STEIL CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 206 E. Harriet Street, Darlington, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
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