Paul Bolender

PAUL P. BOLENDER, 94 ROSCOE - Paul P. Bolender, 94, of Roscoe, IL, died Thursday, August 22, 2013, in his home, surrounded by his family. He was born April 29, 1919, in Orangeville, IL, the son of Glen and Bertha (Boyer) Bolender. Paul attended country schools until the age of 7. He was a 1936 graduate of Orangeville High School. His home had no electricity, a hand pump for the water and an outhouse. He attended the University of Illinois. Paul's lifelong dream was to be a Flying Cadet (Air Force), but he failed the physical because of a heart murmur. On Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, Paul married Genese G. Sowl in Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe, WI. She predeceased him on November 5, 2007, after spending 65 years together. Paul was employed by Stover Steel Tank from about 1938 until 1943, when he went to serve in the Navy from 1943-1946. Upon returning from the war, he went back to work at Stover until 1970. Paul and Genese moved to Darien, IL, where he was employed by Watubo Tech from 1970 until 1976. In 1976, they transferred to Dubuque and then moved to Roscoe, IL in 1986. He continued to work until 1992, when he retired at the age of 73. When Paul got out of the service in 1946, he joined AmVets in Freeport, IL, where he was the Commander for several years. Paul has been a member of the Elks Club since 1946, and a member of Atonement Lutheran Church since 1989. Paul enjoyed fishing and bird watching. He adored and loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and had a special bond with them. Survivors include his daughter, Lynn L. (Mark Mayberry) Alberts of Roscoe, IL; grandchildren, Keri (Todd) VanSchelven of Roscoe, IL, and Kelly (Ben) Ambrose of Rockton, IL; great-grandchildren, Austin, Brayden, and Brooke Hennis, Benjamin, Allison, Emma, and Alex Ambrose; sister-in-law, Darleen Simonds of Beloit, WI; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Genese; daughter, Jan; and sister, Bonita Johnson. The family would like to thank Katy Hubanks and Marilyn Huffman for the care and comfort they gave to Paul. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2013, in Atonement Lutheran Church, 901 Harrison Ave., Beloit, WI, with Reverend Tina Koenig Ray officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, Freeport, IL. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service Monday in the church. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. Memorials may be given in his name to Atonement Lutheran Church or Beloit Regional Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at daleymurphywisch.com.