In Loving Memory of Rylan Francis Kolar
With shattered hearts and faith that surpasses understanding, we share the devastating news of the passing of our cherished son, Rylan, who was called home to Heaven far too soon at just shy of 2 years old. He departed this world tragically on June 20th leaving behind a legacy of joy, wonder, and pure love that touched all who knew him. Though his time on Earth was brief, his life was a radiant story of love, light, and joyful adventure that touched the hearts of many.
From the moment he arrived on that early July morning, Rylan brought sunshine to every room—a spark of heaven in a little boy’s body. His little smile and big brown eyes could soften even the hardest day. He was a boy full of adventure, curiosity, and sunshine. A spirit too radiant for this world.
He was a child captivated by light—candles, flashlights, switches—anything that shimmered and shone. We often joked he was heaven’s electrician in training. Now, we imagine him up there, switching on stars and lighting up the sky and sending us glimmers of comfort.
Even in his brief life, his life was filled with lots of adventures. From a trip to visit great grandparents and family in Wyoming at just two weeks old, to trips to Idaho filled with hiking, fishing and side by side adventures with Granny and Papa. From the warmth of Arizona in the middle of the Montana winters, to feeling the power of the Texas ocean surrounded by family and relatives. He was a big part in building a new house, which we now call home with his handprints and memories sprinkled throughout. We spent most days at the parks and outside playing. He was especially fond of his chickies, kitties and our beloved family dog Aspen. There was never a dull moment in our lives. The world was a playground, and he played with his whole heart!
Mondays belonged to Gramma and Granpa, where the kitchen sink became a splash zone and their dog “Boo” became the name for every dog. Rylan and Addi loved looking at pictures of their other cousins with Gramma.
A boy in love with “pretties,” he gifted dandelions like treasures to his mommy almost daily along with the biggest hugs and sloppy kisses any chance he could. He saw the beauty in the simple, and helped us to see it too.
Time with his dada was golden: riding in excavators, skidsteers, climbing onto tow trucks, jet skis or riding on the mower. Every engine roared life in his heart.
One of his greatest joys was going on “Jeep rides” with his big sister, who had just recently taught him to “drive” on his own. Those 2 were thee dynamic duo! They shared a bond of deep affection, trust, laughter (& maybe a few squabbles)—an authentic friendship that knew no bounds. They were the definition of best friends.
He is deeply missed by his parents, Francis (Frank) and Elisha Kolar, his adoring big sister, Addilyn Maria; Grandparents: Robert and Carol Kolar of Helena, MT and Mike and Maria Ressler of Star, ID; Great Grandparents: Jerry and Rosalie Ressler of Casper, WY; Aunts and Uncles: Ben & Stephanie Kolar and cousins Kiara, Emerson and Rowan; Rachelle and Trent Gearhart and cousin Emery; Lorianne Ressler; Michael Ressler; Jonathan Ressler. Tons of extended family; and all those who had the blessing of witnessing his short, miraculous life.
Though our hearts ache with emptiness, our spirits hold fast to the promise that he now runs in the presence of God, where there are no tears—only light, love, eternal joy and ever blooming dandelions. We believe he is surrounded by angels, with his tiny hands flipping celestial light switches and filling all of Heaven with laughter.
We will forever carry his light in our hearts. Until we meet again, sweet boy, keep the lights on for us.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 26, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Stret
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Funeral Mass
Thursday June 26, 2025
U Diamond Barn
2682 Smith Road
Helena, MT 59602
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Lisa Kummer Soukup says
Frank & Eli, Family,
Lifting you up in prayer; may the angels, embrace you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Know that Rylan is in the arms of angels.
“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
The Soukup Family
Anita and Chris says
Elisha and Frank,
Our hearts and thoughts are with you. Our family has two little saints in heaven. St Rachel and St Rylan – pray for our families.
We hope to be able to come, but are working that out ~ Love, Uncle Chris, Aunt Anita
Joe and Colleen Rahn says
Frank, Eli and family,
There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Our hearts ache for you. May you find strength in the love and support surrounding you.
Our most heartfelt condolences,
The Rahn Family
Kevin Donahue says
Frank and Eli and family,
Although we have not met, we are close friends of the Whites and spent time with them this weekend. Our hearts go out to you and your family! Such a blessing to have had little Rylan in your lives and such heartbreak to see him go. He is in good Hands and know that he is there with the Communion of Saints watching over you now! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
The Donahue Family
Ginger Mortensen says
Elisha and Frank and Addie,
May Our Lady cradle you in her arms as she most certainly now cradles your son, so you are all in her arms together.
Love and prayers,
Ginger Mortensen
Tim & Kathy Royston says
Frank and family,
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Royston family
Connie and Bob Mortensen says
Our love and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. God bless you always and bring you courage and peace.
Love, Aunt Connie and Uncle Bob
Rosalie Ressler says
We love you Elisha Frank and Addi! Our many prayers are with you! Rylan with his precious smile will forever be in our hearts! All our love. Gramma and Grampa Ressler
James Denke says
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all and Rylan will forever be held close by our family and remembered in our prayers (our little saint in heaven) during our lives. I know that when I see the stars shine and the sun come up and go down his memory will forever be remembered in our hearts …
Jim and Karen Anderson says
Jim and I are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul and Kathy Denke says
“We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life, we loved you dearly,
in death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone.
A part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.”
Found this and thought it was good… Our hearts, full of love and compassion, are with your family throughout this painful time.
Bruce & Becky Hageman says
We are friends of friends, with many children and grandchildren, living in WA and praying for God’s comfort and peace as you navigate this tragic time. Your description of Rylan’s life is absolutely beautiful- a very fitting accounting of such a precious little boy. Thank you for sharing his life with us.
Continuing to pray for all your family, Bruce & Becky 💜💜💜
Jennie keating says
Elisha, Frank, and Sweet Addi,
We will always have love in our hearts for beautiful lil Rylan! He will now pray for all of you until you’re together again. We love you all!
Aunt Jennie & Uncle Matt and family
Nicole Denke says
Dear Eli and Frank,
My heart is absolutely broken for you. I’m so deeply sorry — no parent should ever have to go through the pain of losing their child. From everything I’ve read and heard, Rylan was such a beautiful, sweet little boy. Just reading about him brought both smiles and tears.
We lost our precious Rachel, Melissa’s baby girl, when she was just 11 days old last year. She was baptized too, just like Rylan, and I can’t help but picture them together now — two perfect little souls, too pure and precious for this world.
Please know how much I love you. I’m offering my rosaries and Masses for you and for the difficult days ahead.
With all my love, Nikki
Susan Gleich says
To the family of Rylan. My deepest condolences. My heart aches for you all. Sending you strength, love and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. ❤️