Thomas Robert Bolling

Thomas Robert Bolling, 56, of Park Ridge, IL and Bergland, MI, died September 2, 2003 in Ironwood, MI, as the results of injuries suffered from an all terrain vehicle accident. He was the beloved husband of Birgitta, nee Ruberg and dear father of Marie; preceded in death by his son, Carl; loving son of Pehr and Harriet Bolling; fond brother of Barbara Rimington (Paul) and uncle to Robert (Amy) and Kristin Rimington; son-in-law of Henry and the late Eva Ruberg of Sweden and brother-in-law of Gustaf (Susie), also of Sweden. After graduating from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Design, he returned to work at the Overland Bolling Company where he rose to the position of President and CEO. From 1970 to 1976 he served in the United States Army Reserve. He was very active in local and national Swedish organizations including the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-Chicago, The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-US, The Swedish American Museum Center, The Swedish Council of America, The Royal Round Table, holding positions of leadership in all of them. In the spring of 1993, he was appointed the Honorary Council General for Sweden and held that post until December, 2002. He had been a member of the Chicago Swedish Male Chorus and sat on the Board of Trustees for Gustavus Adolphus College. He was also a member of the Quarterly Club, a networking association of metal stamping executives. He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and was to have been awarded the Polar Star Medal from the King of Sweden. Graveside services were held on Saturday, September 6, 2003 in Ewen, MI. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2003 at Irving Park Lutheran Church, 3938 W. Belle Plaine Ave., Chicago, IL at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name may be made to Lake Gogebic Fire Department, Marenisco, MI 49947 or the Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640 or the charity of your choice.