Richard Paul Bolin

Richard Paul Bolin was born on January 30, 1925 to Amel and Alma (Bjoin) in LaSalle, Minnesota. He peacefully passed away in his sleep on November 2, 2022 at Good Samaritan in St. James, MN.

Richard loved learning, especially American history, and sports. He followed his older brother to school so much, he was enrolled in school a year early! He lettered in baseball and basketball at St. James High School. As an Eagle Scout, he took younger scouts on camping trips in Northern MN. After graduating in 1942, he attended Gustavus Adolphus College before entering the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He served from 1943-1946. In 1947, he helped his father and brothers start a family retail lumber business.  On May 7, 1948, Richard married Bonnie (Bunnell) Bolin. They were blessed with four children: Susanne, Paul, Carol and Jane. Together they enjoyed family trips, relaxing at a cabin on Lake Koronis, being Luther League advisors and volunteering at the food shelf.  He assisted his community in many ways: as treasurer of the school board for 15 years, as a Rotarian, Mason and Shriner, being on the board of Lutheran Memorial Home and delivering Meals on Wheels. He helped his church as treasurer, being on the building committee and as a Sunday School teacher.  Richard developed a love of golf at an early age and enjoyed it well into his 90’s. He was proud to have won the course tournament one year. He loved playing any games with family and friends.  Richard and Bonnie spent much of their retirement traveling in the U.S. and Europe. They greatly enjoyed wintering in Arizona.

Richard is survived by daughter Susanne Bolin of Chaska, son Paul Bolin of St. James, daughter Carol (Mark) Schneider of Norwood Young America, daughter Jane (Keith) Anderson of Clinton, grandson Eric (Courtney) Anderson of St. Paul, granddaughter Karin (Drew) Chandler of Golden, CO, sister JoAnn Hanson of White Bear Lake, sister Alice (Duane) McEwen of White Bear Lake, sister-in-law Eldoris Bunnell of Belmond, IA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Bolin; parents; sisters Elizabeth (C.M.) Johnson and Mary Jane (Roland) Lockner; brothers Charles (Lorna), Gordon (Jean), Warren, Edward (Betty), and George Bolin.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.