"I met Alex when I networked with BNI. Alex was a great connector and helped me tremendously when I started out as an independent agent. I will forever be grateful for this and his friendship. God Bless you, Alex and may you rest in peace. May Else, his children and grandchildren find peace during this time. Alex was loved by so many and he will be missed. "
In loving memory of
Alexander Kolton
February 24, 1953 - June 8, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Alex Kolton, beloved husband, father, and grandfather who passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2023 at the age of 70. Alex lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over 50 years; he showed tremendous strength in fighting for his health with courage and determination. He had the incredible support of his wife Else, who donated her kidney and dedicated herself to taking care of him as his illness progressed.
Alex was born in Toronto, Canada, the only son of Polish immigrants, and was raised in Skokie, IL. He graduated from the University of Illinois, Champagne and worked in public accounting for nearly 40 years. In 1991, he left the windy city for the sunny desert of Arizona, which remained his home - he couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
He had a big heart with endless love for his wife and children. He was always there for his friends, some of which he stayed close with for over 60 years. Alex's magnetic personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Once he had your phone number you were sure to hear from him, and if you didn't answer you'd get his signature text... "call me."
He was an avid sports fan, always rooting for his hometown Cubs and Bulls; there wasn't a game he'd miss. Alex was also an athlete in his own right: softball pitcher, bowling champ, and host of basketball games in his backyard. Alex was very proud of his title as Grandpa, or as he was called 'Papa K'. With two grandchildren - and one on the way - this brought him the most joy.
Alex is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Else Kolton; daughter Erica and her husband Francis; granddaughters, Sydnie and Olivia; son Ross and his wife Nikki (expecting their first child any day now); and son, Grant. And of course, his dogs Cubbie and Chloe.
The funeral will be a private ceremony with immediate family. He will be laid to rest at Paradise Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Thank you.
Please visit the tributes tab for the livestream link.
Tributes
"Alex, the avid Cubs fan, could talk sports all day long. He was also a master negotiator. I always said, Alex could sell snow to an Eskimo. He was always ready to help anyone with just about anything, even before you asked. Now, if you needed help fixing your car or had a clogged sink, he wouldn't be able to help, but he would certainly know someone who could. I'll also never forget the phone calls to Else, we were barely down the street and he was already calling with questions or something he forgot to tell her before she left. He was such a big part of everyone's lives and I know he will be truly missed by all of us. Rest in peace, Alex. Until we meet again. Diane, Pete and the rest of the Christ Family"
"Alex was one of the most colorful personalities I ever met. He was and avid sports fan and a good bowler and golfer. I remember golfing with him and he could barely see but still beat me. He asked me to point him to the direction of the flag or pin and tell him how far away it was. He was an amazing athlete. He was so excited to know he could beat me and could barely see. I loved seeing how happy he was to beet me. He definitely enriched my life , can?t believe he is gone. The most courageous person I?ve Ever known. He would drive you crazy with all his phone calls but what I wouldn?t do to get one last call. I did speak with him only two hours before he passed and as usual he was talking about the Cubs. He was very funny and had a great mind. I will always miss and love him. Thanks for being my dear friend. Chuck Foley"
"I have been friends with Alex for over 60 years. Where did the time go? He will be missed by everyone . Still hard to believe. He is and will always be in ours hearts. Paul and stormy."