Bill Bolen
Bill Bolen
Bill Bolen
October 31, 1935 – September 29, 2022
Montezuma, Iowa | Age 86
Bill Bolen, 86, of Montezuma passed away Thursday evening, September 29, 2022 at the UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Charles William “Bill” Bolen was born on October 31, 1935 in Poweshiek County to Gerald and Eleanor “Lois” Swecker Bolen.
Bill graduated from Montezuma High School in 1954 and went on to graduate from Drake University, while also playing varsity basketball.
On September 8th, 1956 he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Arendt at the Montezuma Methodist Church. They became the parents of two children, Mark and LeAnn.
Bill began his career as a teacher at Lynnville- Sully and coached all levels of girls’ and boys’ basketball for 3 ½ years. In 1962, Bill and Shirley moved to Montezuma and Bill began his 60-year career at the People’s Savings Bank. He semi- retired from the bank when they began wintering in Palm Desert, California and also spent time in Phoenix, Arizona.
Bill loved his family and sports and attended every sporting event that he could that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren participated in. He enjoyed playing golf and had four holes-in-one during his lifetime.
Bill was a member of the Sully Lions, the Montezuma Lions, the Montezuma Jaycees, the Montezuma Fire Department for 26 years, and officiated at the Drake Relays for 43 years. He was honored be in the first class of inductees into the Montezuma Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He spent many hours as a starter for the high school track meets and as a high school referee. He was also a member of the Montezuma Methodist Church and a member of the Iowa Banker’s Association.
Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley of Montezuma; his children, Mark (& Robin) Bolen of Montezuma and LeAnn (& Steve) Chastain of Scottsdale, Arizona; his grandchildren: Bill (& Jacki) Bolen, Dana Bolen, Curtis (& Aimee) Bolen, Alan (& Polly) Bolen, Logan (& Bethani) Chastain, Connor Chastain, and Colin Chastain; 8 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; one step-brother, Dan (& Nancy) Agnew, as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Friday, October 7, 2022 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma.
Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Blue and White Athletic Department or the Montezuma Fire Dept.
