David BOLANDER

1930 - 2015

April 17, 1930 to February 22, 2015 David Carl Bolander was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of three children of Ivar and Alice Bolander. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from West High School. He met Dorothy Argo, a young student nurse, on a blind date and married her in 1950. The couple had four children and resided in Edina, Tucson, AZ, Minnetonka, and Mendota Heights before moving to Stuart, FL. As a teenager David started to work for his family's business, Carl Bolander & Sons Co. He began to learn all aspects of equipment including operating dozers, cranes, scrapers, and explosive demolition. In 1960 David and his family moved to Arizona, where he started and expanded a successful excavation and sewer business. In 1962, his father asked David to move back to Minnesota and become the President of Carl Bolander & Sons Co, where he eventually became the third generation owner. He used his love for construction and his innovation to become one of the leaders of the construction industry. One of David's many passions was for large earth-moving equipment, and this led him into being a pioneer in concrete recycling, earth retention systems, and building demolition. He would use his equipment for activities that are still considered amazing today. Through his honesty and his integrity, David expanded his grandfather's company into an industry leader. Through all of the accomplishments, challenges and changes over the years, David's character never faltered. These characteristics gained David some wonderful friendships and tremendous loyalties, resulting in many people working twenty, thirty or forty years before retiring from the company. He is considered a legend in this field, and is respected by many who have followed him. David had many interests, but aviation was by far his favorite. He became a licensed pilot while still a teenager and he served in the Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic. He also enjoyed fishing, skiing, travel, dogs, and golf; the couple belonged to both the Interlachen and Mariner Sands Country Clubs. David is survived by his children Bruce, Richard (May), Kristine, and Susan, and his grandchildren Daniel, Katherine, Tyler, Eric, Natalie, and Michelle. He was preceded in death by his siblings John and Karen, as well as his beloved Dorothy, who passed away less than six months before him. They were married for 63 years. David was a quiet man with a gaze that spoke volumes. He was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, provider, cancer survivor, innovator, mentor, and a steady, sure presence in the lives of all who knew him. But most of all, he was a devoted husband. A celebration of David's life will be held on April 17, 2015 at Mendakota Country Club, 2075 Mendakota Drive, Mendota Heights, MN. A memorial service will occur at noon, with food and fellowship to follow. Memorials in lieu of gifts to be sent to: AGC of Minnesota Foundation. 525 Park Street Suite 110, St Paul MN 55103. Contributions are used to provide scholarships and educational assistance to students who have a career interest in the construction industry. All contributions are tax deductible.