Candace L. "Candy" Kolnes, 67, Ada, Minnesota, died Saturday, October 10, 2015, at Benedictine Care Community, of Ada.

Candy was born on February 5, 1948, at the Ada Hospital, the daughter of Robert and Verona (Miller) Skalsky. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Methodist Church in Ada. After graduation from Ada High School, she enrolled at the NDSU College of Pharmacy in 1966. She completed 5 years to get a B.S. in Science to become a pharmacist in 1971. Candy married Perry Kolnes on May 31, 1969 in Ada, and they were blessed with a son, Jeffrey Wayde, born in 1974.

She worked at the Ada Rexall until 1990. (Almost 20 years) The store was sold and she later worked for Ada Pharmacy. In 1995, she started her own store "Candy's Drug." She sold her store to Thrifty White Drug in 2005 and retired. She loved her drug store and was glad to help all the people that were customers and some that were not. Candy continued to work a few days a week as a relief pharmacist.

Candy was a great wit and humorous person. She loved athletics, where her brothers were her early competition. In high school & college she excelled. She was a starting varsity player at NDSU in both women's basketball and volleyball. Candy was proud to achieve a "National" rating as a basketball referee. At that time, only 6 other women were certified in the Tri-state area. She officiated in many communities from Mahnomen to Valley City.

Candy also bowled on 2 leagues and entered many bowling tournaments both local and out of state. She also played both fast pitch and slow pitch softball for the Gary State Bank team for15 years. They reached the Minnesota State tournament 3 times. The team had over 100 trophies. Candy's knees got worse and she retired from softball and bowling in the 1980's. She continued as a faithful spectator who cheered the team on. Candy was a lifetime member of the Ada VFW and American Legion Auxiliary's. Candy also enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, playing spider solitaire. During her younger years, she would go fishing and deer hunting with family.

Candy suffered a heart attack and stroke on Mother Day, 2007. She was in Essentia Hospital and later Sanford Health, before rehabbing at Bridges Care Community until finally improving to come home in April, 2011. She was progressing slowing, but kept doing her exercises twice daily, and following the Doctor's orders.

Candy is survived by her special friend of 43 years, Valerie "Hoppy" Natwick, Ada, her son Jeff (Kiley) Kolnes of West Fargo, grandson, Ethan Kolnes, her mother, Verona "Nonie" Skalsky, Ada, her brothers, Dan (Mary) of Kalispell, MT, Randy (Jane), of Fargo, and Kim (Renee) of Casper, WY, her nephews and nieces, and other relatives, and many friends and loyal customers. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her dad Bobby and her brother Eldy.
Blessed Be The Memory Of Our "Beloved Pharmacist."

Funeral: 11:00AM Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at Faith United Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Tuesday from 5-7PM with a 7PM prayer service at the church and one hour before the service on Wednesday.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.