Robert Bolen

Robert “Bob” Bolen was born on September 30, 1947, in Two Harbors, MN. In 2017, he and his wife moved to Rochester, MN, to be closer to family and medical care. Bob passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, at the Spring Valley Nursing Home.

A 1966 graduate of Two Harbors High School, Bob served his country with honor as a U.S. Marine from 1966 to 1970, completing two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded three Purple Hearts along with several other medals for his bravery.

Bob dedicated 30 years to the Lake County Highway Department, retiring in 1998 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He was an active member of VFW Post 1215 in Rochester, the American Legion Post 109, and the Moose Lodge in Two Harbors. Bob had a passion for travel with his wife and loved cruising around town in his cherished 1955 Chevy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Bolen, in 1994, and his mother, Magdeline Bolen, in 2012. Bob is survived by his wife, Vicky, and his beloved service dog, Lily. He also leaves behind his son, Michael (Shannon) Bolen of Superior, WI; stepchildren Jeremy Grabau of Greenleafton, MN, and Melissa (Reggie) Musel of Wykoff, MN. Bob is also survived by his siblings Bill Bolen, Helen Merritt, Mary (David) Udenberg, and Maggie Olson, all of Two Harbors, and Karen Amundson of Burnsville, MN, along with several nieces and nephews.

A full military honors ceremony will be held at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN, at 1:00 PM Monday, November 25, 2024 with a celebration of life following at 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Whitlock-Sonnenberg VFW Post 1215, 2775 43rd St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.