Bill Bolken

Hillmar (Bill) Bolken was born February 14, 1919 in McKenzie County, North Dakota,
to Carl and Gurina (Holkestad) Bolken. His father died when he was just 5 years old and
the family moved to Alexander. His mother then purchased a farm Northeast of Alexander.
He attended Timber Creek Country School.

Bill remained on the family farm until the 1930's. Due to the drought, they were unable to
farm and Bill went to work on the railroad in Western Montana. He returned to McKenzie
County and married Elvera Anderson of Williston on September 29, 1945, and to them
seven children were born.

Bill measured land for the Soil conservation for 4 years. He farmed his mother's farm and
worked for area farmers. He operated heavy equipment for McKenzie County until his
retirement, and continued to live on the farm. All of their 6 children graduated from
Alexander High School and the family was active in many community events.

The Bolkens were members of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Alexander where Bill served
on the council for 6 years, 3 as president.

During retirement, the Bolkens traveled to various places throughout the United States. In
addition, they traveled to Norway and Sweden, the countries of their ancestry.

Bill and Elvera moved to Williston in 1991. Shortly after, Bill began delivering meals to the
homebound and continued with this service for several years. In March 1998, he was
awarded the Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Month from the First National Bank and Trust
of Williston.

Bill was dearly loved and respected by all his family, friends, and community. He leaves
behind his loving family: Elvera - his wife of 54 years;
his daughters - Linda Wells of Sidney, MT and Karen Swenson of Williston;
his sons - William Bolken of Watford City, ND; Robert Bolken of Gillette, WY;
Kurt Bolken of Los Angeles, CA; and Lowell Bolken of Minneapolis, MN;
12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; one brother - Clarence Bolken of Hazen, ND;
and a sister - Glaydes Fisher of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his
parents, an infant son, two brothers - Cecil and Francis, and
two sisters - Alice Foreng and Mildred Heggen.

Interment:
Riverview Cemetery - Williston, North Dakota

Arrangements:
Everson Funeral Home - Williston, North Dakota

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