Before entering umpiring, Kolls unsuccessfully ran for sheriff in Rock Island, Illinois.

[2] He attended college at St. Ambrose University Kolls played seven seasons of professional football, 40 games total), for the 1920 Chicago Cardinals, 1920 Hammond Pros, 1922–1926 Rock Island Independents and 1927 New York Yankees.

In 1938, Kolls suffered a broken nose in spring training,[6] but he umpired a full slate of 161 games and officiated the 1938 World Series.

[7] After the 1940 season, American League president Will Harridge issued an outright release to Kolls.

[8] Kolls was married to the former Irene Tanghe, who worked as a secretary to U.S. Representative Chester C.