Natalie Kolberg, 46, died Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN, after a long and courageous battle with cancer,

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Aaron Zuch officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Cemetery, Wylie, MN.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN.

Natalie Kay Kolberg was born on March 19, 1965 in Minneapolis, MN, and adopted in January of 1970 by Roger and Olive (Thorson) Eckstein. She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, MN on March 1, 1970 and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. While growing up, Natalie attended grade school in Red Lake Falls, MN, and high school in Bagley, MN, graduating in 1984.

Following high school, Natalie met and married Drew Kolberg from Roseau, MN. The couple was blessed with a son, Karl.

Throughout her life, Natalie enjoyed beading, jewelry, sewing, and many kinds of craft work. Natalie lived at Crossroads in Erskine, MN, and while she was there liked playing cards and games while visiting with friends over a good cup of coffee. The staff and residents there were a second family to her. April Fools Day was a favorite of Natalies as she was a great practical joker and loved to play pranks on family and friends.

Natalie was very proud of her family. She enjoyed young children, and was proud to be Godmother to her nephew. Natalie was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN.

Survivors include Natalies son, Karl Kolberg of Roseau, MN; mother, Olive Eckstein of Thief River Falls, MN; brothers, Terry Eckstein of Mantorville, MN, and Scott (Karin Hermensen) Eckstein of Cannon Beach, OR; sister, Jill (Dave) Gunderson of Burnsville, MN; grandmother, Gustie Thorson of Thief River Falls, MN; special friend, Jon Phillips of Thief River Falls, MN; several aunts, uncles, nephews, and a niece, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death is her father, Roger Eckstein and her grandparents, Fred and Adena Eckstein, and Henry Thorson.

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Beautiful Savior , How Great Thou Art & What a Friend We Have In Jesus
PALLBEARERS: Karl Kolberg, Tony Gunderson, Leif Gunderson, Jon Phillips, Gary Almquist, Robbie Almquist