Bolson, Spencer Benjamin 1933 - 2019

BOLSON, LOVSTUEN, PETERSON, SHINDELAR, ROBERTS, MAGNUSON, MANN, RUSHTON, BUSTA, ARVOLD, KEARNEY, SHEEHAN, ELLICKSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/24/2019 at 15:35:42

U.S. Veteran
Spencer B. Bolson, age 85, of Decorah, IA, passed away Sunday evening, July 14, 2019, surrounded by his family, at home in Decorah.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah with Rev. Melissa Bills officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah with Military Honors.

Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, one and a half hours before the service, at First Lutheran Church.

Spencer Benjamin Bolson was born September 25, 1933, the son of Stephen B. and Esther Rebecca (Lovstuen) Bolson in Decorah, Iowa. He graduated from Decorah High School with the class of 1952. Spencer entered the U.S. Army on May 28, 1953 and served in the 18th AAA Battalion as a radar operator. While there, he earned a medal for marksmanship. He was honorably discharged on May 26, 1955.

He married Carol June Peterson on February 10, 1957 at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. He and Carol were blessed with five children: Stacy, Gail, Lance, Darin and Annette, and they spent over 62 wonderful years together in Decorah.

Spencer started working for his father Stephen's painting and wallpapering business before he graduated from high school. After his service in the military, he joined his father and his 3 brothers in partnership at S. B. Bolson and Sons, eventually taking over with his son, Stacy, who still owns the company.

Spencer loved life and, with an ever-present twinkle in his eye, was always up for an adventure. He was an avid bow hunter and outdoorsman who spent many happy hours hunting with his friends and his sons and son-in-law. His children have great stories filled with love and laughter, countless fond memories of family weekends, including working together on all kinds of home improvement projects, Lefse Fests, marathon card games, camping and, every summer, some great canoe trips down his beloved Upper Iowa river. Later, he and Carol traveled the country in their camper, visiting family and exploring our National parks.He loved to laugh, enjoyed people (with salt, no pepper) and rarely missed meeting his coffee group at Magpie every morning. He was an active member of the Bernatz-Symonds American Legion Post No. 163 for his entire adult life, serving in the Honor Guard for countless parades, events and veteran's funerals, and was often responsible for Memorial Day poppy distribution for veteran's families. He was a member of The Elks Club, where he served as a Loyal Knight, and was also a member of First Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Rebecca Bolson; infant brothers Arnold and Milford; brothers and sisters-in-law Hubie and Avis Bolson, Ray and Marilyn Bolson and Kenny and Grace Bolson; brothers- and sisters-in-law John and Beulah (Peterson) Shindelar, Blaine and Sylvia (Peterson) Roberts and Eldie (Flatland) Peterson.

Spencer is survived by wife Carol; five children: Stacy (Kathy) Bolson of Decorah, Gail (Karl) Magnuson of Decorah, Lance (Laura) Bolson of St. Michael, MN, Darin (Hutton Kearney) Bolson of Rochester, MN and Annette (Ben) Bolson of Decorah; Grandchildren: Bridgette (Chad) Mann, Heather (Steven) Rushton, Amber (Corey) Busta, Melanie (Nathan Arvold) Bolson, Brian (Lacey Sheehan) Bolson, Charlotte Kearney, Ben Kearney, Spencer Bolson, Janae Bolson, Seth Bolson and Evan Bolson; Great-Grandchildren: Riley and Ella Mann, Stetson and Noah Rushton, Kira and Blake Busta; sisters- and brothers-in-law Alton Peterson, Lorraine (Peterson) Ellickson, Robert and Dianne Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers and in appreciation of the incredible care given to Spencer and the family, memorials may be given to WMC Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101. Donations may also be given to Bernatz-Symonds American Legion Post No. 163, All Vets Club, 104 State Street, Decorah, IA 52101, or charity of your choice.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Lutheran Decorah Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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