Dr. Ralph Carl Kolbeck

Dr. Ralph Carl Kolbeck died on December 6, 2025, after a very brief and unexpected illness. He was 81 years old.

Ralph was born on September 2, 1944, in Wausau, Wisconsin, and was raised on a farm in rural Marathon County. He briefly attended Michigan Tech and then went on to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (1970) from the University of Minnesota. In 1966, he married his wife, Donna Jean Belling, and had two children, Lisa and John. In 1973, he moved his young family to Augusta, GA, where he took a job at the Medical College of Georgia. He retired in 2006 after working for 33 years as a Physiologist doing research and teaching at the medical school. He loved telling stories - every lesson had a colorful real life example sourced from his years growing up on a farm and navigating many adventures with his family. Ralph was a naturalist and loved the outdoors enjoying hiking, camping, cycling, and boating. He enjoyed spending time in the mountains and working in his yard. He took great care composing monthly Nature articles for his neighborhood Springlakes newsletter. An avid birder, Ralph loved his backyard wildlife habitat along Reed Creek and participated in Project Feeder Watch for the Cornell Lab. He chronicled every little flower, tree, bird, and critter with his camera and traveled all over the world experiencing its natural wonders with his son. Ralph was also a Scout leader in local Boy Scout Troop 5.

Ralph was pre-deceased by his wife of 50 years, Donna. He leaves behind a son and constant companion, John Kolbeck, a daughter, Lisa Kolbeck Price (Duane), brother, Robert Kolbeck, sister, Jane Mapes, brother-in-law, Lyle Belling (Dione) and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ralph will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor, his kindness, his smile and laughter, and the deep love he had for his family. In keeping with his wishes, there will not be a funeral service. If anyone feels so inclined, please honor his memory by making a donation to a wildlife or nature organization such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The Nature Conservancy, or the National Audubon Society.

“And when you find the time, take a walk in the woods.”

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.