Dale Allen Bolin

Dale A. Bolin, age 84, of Elk River, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on November 19, 2021.

Dale was born April 29, 1937 at home in Orrock, MN to Alonzo & Mildred Bolin.  He attended Big Lake schools before being drafted into the US Army.  He married Marlys Jean Austin on April 29, 1961.  Dale and his wife were stationed stateside in Illinois and Wisconsin, before he was deployed overseas to Germany during the Berlin Crisis.

After Dale’s honorable discharge from the US Army, he returned to the Big Lake/ Elk River area to settle down, raise a family and earn a living for the next 58 years.

He started working as a painter and mechanic for Gotzian Truck and Trailer Repair. Later, he started his own business Bolin Tune-Up and service.   Dale also started Northern Lights Leasing as an owner operator leasing his trucks with DART Transit.  He never really fully retired. He loved to drive and fix trucks until his wife Marlys retired in 2016.

Dale loved to camp with his wife and the camping group "Bus Nuts", travelling across America meeting and making new friends.

He loved to hunt, fish and ride horses.  He especially loved family get-togethers and making memories.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 60+ years Marlys; his children Rick (Laurie) Bolin and Deb (Tim) Almen.  Grandfather of: Jessica Bolin, Mitchell Bolin, Katie Shead, Megan Rieb, Jonathan Almen, Caleb Almen and Noah Almen; Great-Grandsons Carter and Cameron Shead.

He is also survived by sister Dorothy “Dot” (Marvin) Hill, sisters-in-law Joan Bolin , Sharon Bolin, and Darline (Jim) Trautman; brother -in-law Dale (Marguerite) Austin and many very loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Patrick, William and Dennis; sister Mary Varnar and sister-in-law Nancy Packard.

A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at Refuge Church 25620 4th St W. Zimmerman at 11 AM Saturday November 27, 2021

Friends may gather 1 hour prior to the service at church to meet Dale’s family.

Private interment at Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls.

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