Thomas Kolar's Obituary
Thomas James Kolar, 96, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully at home in Cypress Cove on March 13, 2026. He was born on January 1, 1930, in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 74 years, Eleanor “Ellie” Kolar; his three children, Beverly Chesnut (Steve), Sandy Stilwell Youngquist (Tim), and Tom Kolar (Melinda); eight grandchildren: Krista Hoffman, Steve Chesnut, Jonathan Chesnut, Corban Chesnut, Chauncey Brown, Erik Brown, Tommy Kolar, and Sterling Kolar; and 15 great-grandchildren: Eden Hoffman, Ellie Hoffman, Steven Chesnut, Karis Chesnut, Ava Chesnut, Emily Chesnut, Paul Chesnut, Luke Chesnut, Tristen Brown, Ethan Brown, Grace Brown, Laila Brown, Quinn Kolar, Blake Kolar, and Tommy Kolar.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Betty Kolar; his brother, Frank Kolar; his in in-laws, Clarence and Esther Roessler, their best friends and traveling partners over all the years of their lives, his cherished granddaughter, Paris Kolar.
Tom grew up in Batavia. He joined the National Guard at age 17. He met the love of his life, Ellie Roessler, when she was 15 and he was 19. They married three years later and remained sweethearts ever since. In Elgin, Illinois. He trained and received the honor of being part of the US Army Rangers unit, where he taught hand-to-hand combat as part of the enlisted basic training. He trained artillery in Seattle, Washington. Ellie followed him to bases in Camp Cook, in California, Camp Cooke was a major U.S. Army training installation established in 1941 near Lompoc, California, used for armored and infantry training during World War II and the Korean War.
They transferred to Colorado.
After his service, they settled in Geneva and then started a business in Elgin, Illinois. During one of the coldest Chicago winters, they learned of Cape Coral, Florida—advertised as the “Waterfront Wonderland of the World.” In 1959, they sold their home and business, embarked on an adventurous journey cruising down the Fox River and then the Mississippi, and settled in Cape Coral with their young family. They became some of the original pioneers of the growing community, and most of their extended family eventually followed to Florida.
Tom went to work for the Rosen Brothers at Gulf American Land Corporation, the developers of Cape Coral. He started as a security guard and rose to vice president in charge of promotions with the famous VIT (Very Important Traveler) Program, known for offering free orange juice and maps to travelers along U.S. 41—the main north-south route before I-75 was built—right near The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers.
Their son Tommy was the first boy born in Cape Coral (following Donna Raso, the first child and girl, named after Hurricane Donna in 1960—we all remember that storm well). Our home took a real beating, the roof was gone, and later, looters came in and stole all of our precious belongings. They relocated on the same street, Vendome Court. Still neighbors with their friends and it was a perfect neighborhood to raise a family. This was before any bridges connected directly to Cape Coral.
In 1970, they built the Eventide Motel at Fort Myers Beach, which later became a Ramada Inn (the site is now part of the Margaritaville resort pool area). They also owned The Lighthouse Island Resort, which they later sold to his son, Tom, Jr.
Tom loved boating, bowling, and having fun. He and Ellie were world travelers, circling the globe multiple times. In later years, they enjoyed casinos and bingo closer to home. They cherished family and friends above all. His infectious laugh was unmistakable, and he was always the jovial life of the party—he knew no strangers and was quick with a helping hand. When bowling everybody always knew when Tom threw the ball because it had a very loud crash! He never did anything lightly. He always put his full effort into everything he did!
Tom and Ellie were members of the Royal Palm Yacht Club, Fort Myers Beach Yacht Club, Fort Myers Beach Moose Club, Fort Myers Beach American Legion, and Ft. Myers Elks Club.
After their waterfront home in Fort Myers Beach was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, they moved to Cypress Cove, where they built a new circle of friends—many fellow hurricane refugees. The staff affectionately called him “Mr. Sunshine,” and he was a regular in the morning gym and coffee group. As his health declined, they transitioned to the Cypress Cove Inn for added care. The family is deeply grateful to Lee Health and Hope Hospice for their compassionate support in his final weeks.
Funeral Services
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 12:45–1:00 p.m., followed immediately by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33966 (main sanctuary).
A funeral procession will follow to Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907, for those wishing to attend the United States Military Honors and entombment.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Lee Health Foundation, which provided loving care to the entire family for 67 years—including a six-month stay for the premature birth of their granddaughter Paris, who lived joyfully until age 35.
Lee Health Foundation
9800 South HealthPark Drive, Suite 405
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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