In Memory Of
Merlin I. Bolze
1927
2013
Merlin I. Bolze
November 5, 1927 — July 22, 2013
Merlin I. Bolze, 85, of Topeka, died on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Midland Hospice House.
Merlin was born on November 5, 1927 in Walnut, Kansas to Irwin and Elizabeth (Rhudy) Bolze. He graduated from Walnut High School in 1945 and graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor's degree. He worked for several area banks and at one time in 1950, he was known as the "Boxing Banker" after he won the Golden Gloves Lightweight Division.
Merlin served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and saw active duty stateside during the Korean conflict. He was married to Pauline Selle on February 9, 1949 in Girard, Kansas; they were married for 64 years and raised five sons.
He was a lifetime Lutheran and was a member of St. John's Lutheran where he was a deacon and served on the Board of Elders. He worked for 35 years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber, not only on the production line but also in management.
One of his greatest joys was to follow the many activities and sporting events of his children and grand-children. He loved to collect elephants, square dance, and almost all sports.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline Bolze, of Topeka, and four sons, Kim (Judy) Bolze, Kerry (Clyta) Bolze, Kris (Angie) Bolze, Kurt (Jennifer) Bolze, all of Topeka; 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, one sister, Kathleen Taylor of Pheonix, AZ as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, by one son, Kevin Bolze, by one brother, Duane Bolze, and one sister, Wanda VonSoosten.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore St., Topeka. Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery, Topeka. Merlin will lie in state after 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 23 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. John's Lutheran Church or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir., Topeka, KS 66606.
To share a special memory of Merlin or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Merlin was born on November 5, 1927 in Walnut, Kansas to Irwin and Elizabeth (Rhudy) Bolze. He graduated from Walnut High School in 1945 and graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor's degree. He worked for several area banks and at one time in 1950, he was known as the "Boxing Banker" after he won the Golden Gloves Lightweight Division.
Merlin served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and saw active duty stateside during the Korean conflict. He was married to Pauline Selle on February 9, 1949 in Girard, Kansas; they were married for 64 years and raised five sons.
He was a lifetime Lutheran and was a member of St. John's Lutheran where he was a deacon and served on the Board of Elders. He worked for 35 years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber, not only on the production line but also in management.
One of his greatest joys was to follow the many activities and sporting events of his children and grand-children. He loved to collect elephants, square dance, and almost all sports.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline Bolze, of Topeka, and four sons, Kim (Judy) Bolze, Kerry (Clyta) Bolze, Kris (Angie) Bolze, Kurt (Jennifer) Bolze, all of Topeka; 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, one sister, Kathleen Taylor of Pheonix, AZ as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, by one son, Kevin Bolze, by one brother, Duane Bolze, and one sister, Wanda VonSoosten.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore St., Topeka. Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery, Topeka. Merlin will lie in state after 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 23 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. John's Lutheran Church or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir., Topeka, KS 66606.
To share a special memory of Merlin or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin I. Bolze, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
In State
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
3:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Visitation
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Lutheran Church
Guestbook
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