Walter Kolb, age 89, died peacefully on October 14, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
He was born in New York City on March 18, 1936, to Hans and Lina Kolb. He was raised in the Bronx and received a geology scholarship at Oklahoma State University. In time, his interests turned toward urban planning, and he went on to complete a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Walter served in the Air Force reserve.
In 1959, Walter married Judith Kunsman, with whom he had two children, Heidi Kolb Carpentieri and Howard Walter Kolb. Following their divorce, he married Susan Lewis in 2002.
Walter and Susan were world travelers and shared the distinction of visiting all seven continents. While Europe was a frequent destination, their adventures also took them along the Yangtze River in China, to the vibrant city of Marrakesh in Morocco, and across Australia, where they visited Sydney and the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock). They cruised the Panama Canal and traveled as far as Antarctica.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Howard. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Heidi and his son-in-law Robert; his granddaughter Caroline and her husband Brian; and his great-grandson, Lucas, all of Tallahassee.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 at Culley’s Funeral Home located at 1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local hospice.
Walter Kolb
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
