Donald Henry "Don" Bolin

1946 - 2022

Donald Henry 'Don' Bolin
Born: November 1, 1946 in Pittsburg, KS
Died: October 3, 2022 in Naperville, IL
"Blue Moon! Blue Moon!" If Don Bolin was in a good mood, you could hear him singing Blue Moon, loudly across a crowded room. Don was also a particular person - extremely organized, laser-focused on the short game of golf, meticulous about steak preparation, and highly fluent in the best of scotches. We can still hear you now, Don!
Donald "Don" Henry Bolin, our cherished husband, father, and grandfather passed away on October 3, 2022, at the age of 75 after his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by friends, family, and his grandson Sebi during the last weeks of his life.
Don was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on November 1, 1946, to Henry Bolin and Eleanor (Morgan) Bolin. During his youth, he traveled with his family across the USA; living in Kansas, West Virginia, and California before moving to Spring Valley, Illinois in 1958, where he met Mary Anne Taylor. Their first date was their 1963 Junior Prom at Hall High School in Spring Valley, Illinois. Mary Anne could be heard shouting "Yay Don, Yay Bolin, Yay Yay Don Bolin!", as a cheerleader at Don's basketball games. They quickly became high school sweethearts. Their love for one another is undeniable. When he wasn't holding hands with Mary Anne in high school, Don worked as a mechanic where he gained the knowledge and expertise that would start a lifelong career in machinery and engineering.
In 1965, after high school, he joined the Navy (Naval Air), serving his country from 1965-1971. He was a jet engine mechanic on the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier stationed in Alameda, California (VAW-13 Zappers); and he was also stationed at Naval Air Station VT 23 in Kingsville, Texas. He attained the rank of ADJ3 (Aviation Machinist Mate Jet Engine Mechanic) Petty Officer Third Class. Don was proud of his service and often shared stories with family and friends.
In 1967, Don married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne Taylor in Spring Valley, Illinois. He jokingly reminded everyone over the years that Mary Anne married a younger man since he was 3 months younger.
In 1974, Don graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR). He received a full scholarship from the American Smelting and Refining Company and also received an Olin Corporation Scholarship. He was a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi; the Alpha Sigma Mu National Metallurgical Honor Society (President from 1973-74); the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers; and the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.
After graduation, Don began work at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois. For 35 years, Don was proud to say he was a Caterpillar employee and retired from the world's largest construction-equipment manufacturer in January 2009 after holding leadership positions throughout his career (he served as Metallurgical Lab Supervisor, Chemical Lab Supervisor, Factory Superintendent of Factory B, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and WLED Operational Excellence Manager).
Due to his success, he was asked to drive the design and development of the CAT Excavator Series in Kobe, Japan from 1995-2000, frequently traveling to Europe and across Asia on many adventures. Don maintained a broad international network and made many friends throughout the world. His favorite restaurant in Japan was Migawa's which served a menu full of garlic. Upon returning home, after entertaining coworkers, the entire house would smell like garlic for days.
Don was passionate about golf and played courses throughout the US, Japan, and Europe. The most memorable course he played was the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland; which he and friends visited in 2000. His wife, Mary Anne, and their closest friends share his love for golf and have spent over 40 years golfing together.
Don and Mary Anne were married for 55 years and are parents to three children: daughter Melissa and twin boys, Michael and Ryan. As a loving husband and father, the family spent time playing sports, making music, going on outdoor adventures, attending school events, traveling, and overall having fun acting goofy. Despite a demanding profession – he never failed to attend the sports or academic events of his children. Don made sure to introduce everyone to the 1980s latest and greatest VHS home video production technology that gave rise to years of quality documentation of family life and humorous moments. During his short time with his grandson, Sebi (born in August 2021), he showered him with a lifetime of love; spending time swimming, singing, reading, and playing games. Don was in love with Sebi and couldn't get enough of the cross-country video calls to watch Sebi run and play.
Don was lovingly devoted to his family and close friends. He was always planning holiday parties and cooking delicious meals. His holiday prime ribs are legendary as he meticulously chose a specific cut and victoriously called out to each guest upon serving their choice piece. During parties, he happily shared stories of his travels and family adventures, often asking us to recite our part in the story to maximize the effect. He enjoyed a glass of scotch or wine while listening to Celtic or Scottish music on the back porch or next to the fire while telling stories, recalling adventures, and planning ahead. He was trustworthy, loyal, funny, intelligent, and loved his family more than anything.
Don was the best husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in passing by his parents Henry Bolin and Eleanor (Morgan) Bolin, two brothers, Douglas Bolin and Dennis Bolin, and nephew Daniel Bolin. He is survived by his wife Mary Anne Bolin, his sister Dorothy Bolin of LaSalle, Illinois, his daughter, Melissa Anne Stefani Bolin and her husband Phil Stefani of Morongo Valley, California, his son Michael James Bolin and his wife Rebecca Richardson Bolin of Oswego, Illinois, his son Ryan Morgan Bolin and his wife Maria Pao Bolin, his beautiful grandson Sebastian (Sebi) Bolin of San Francisco, California, and Douglas R. Bolin, Jr. nephew.
The Bolin family would like to thank the many wonderful friends and family that supported and loved him, and also a thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at AccentCare Hospice for the compassionate care he received.
A church service will be held at the Spring Valley United Church-Christian followed by a graveside service and military salute at the Valley Memorial Park Cemetery in Spring Valley, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will follow at Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Course in LaSalle, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in Don's name to St. Jude Children's Midwest Affiliate Hospital in Peoria, Illinois.