IRONWOOD, Mich. Lisa Marie Kolesar, 39, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully of complications of liver failure on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Lisa was born on January 21, 1986, in Ironwood, Michigan, to James and Sharon (Rainaldo) Kolesar. At the age of two months, Lisa was diagnosed with a rare liver condition called biliary atresia. She received a life-saving liver transplant on May 9, 1987, in Chicago. The Gogebic Range community rallied around Lisa, and her family remains deeply grateful for this extraordinary community support.

Lisa attended Newport Elementary School, graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 2004, and studied at Gogebic Community College. She was employed at Hurley Dairy Queen, Wal-Mart, Holiday Gas Station, and most recently, Dunham's Sports.

Lisa enjoyed spending time with family and friends, beach days at Lake Superior, sitting outside in the sun, camping, playing cornhole, shopping, and being around animals. She had a good sense of humor and persevered through her medical issues with strength and a positive attitude.

Lisa was blessed to have two miracle daughters, Sydney Rose and Renezmae Jane Kolesar, who survive her. Lisa is also survived by her parents, grandmother, Betty Rainaldo, aunts and uncles, Clem (Cindy) Kolesar, Richard (Barb) Kolesar, Tim (Megan) Kolesar, Linda (Lonnie) Rundquist, Marsha (Luke) Stauffer, Janet (Jeff) Leinon, Lisa (Jim) Sobolewski, Bob (Kacy) Rainaldo, and Scott (Corina) Rainaldo, numerous cousins, her boyfriend Jason Jarvi, and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Clem and Rose Kolesar, and maternal grandfather, Bob Rainaldo.

Lisa's liver transplant gave her over 38 additional years of life. Part of Lisa now lives on through the gift of sight she gave to another.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hurley.

Lisa's family thanks the staff of Aspirus-Ironwood for the kind and compassionate care she received.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, visit lakesidememoralchapel.com.