April 28, 2010

Vera Bolken

Elvera “Vera” Mary Bolken of Williston, formerly of Alexander, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 22, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center in Williston with her family at her side.
Her funeral service was celebrated Tuesday morning, April 27, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Williston. Rev. Christopher Raiford officiated and interment followed in Riverview Cemetery.
Vera was born Oct. 2, 1920, in McKenzie County, N.D., to Ernest Gunnar “E.G.” and Anna (Ackerman) Anderson. She attended McKenzie County grade schools and graduated from Williston High School in 1940.
After graduation she worked at the Coca Cola Bottling Co. in Williston.
She married Hillmar “Bill” Bolken Sept. 29, 1945, in Sidney, Mont.
They lived on a farm northeast of Alexander until 1991 when they moved to Williston. Bill passed away July 8, 1999, and she continued to live in her own home until her death.
Vera devoted her life to raising her six children. All the children graduated from Alexander High School and the family was active in many community events.
She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, embroidery and making quilts.
She was a member of Alexander Trinity Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid, and Our Redeemer’s Church in Williston.
She also enjoyed working at the Alexander Lewis and Clark Museum in the summers after her children moved from home.
During their retirement years, Bill and Vera had traveled to various places throughout the United States. In addition, they traveled to Norway and Sweden, the countries of their ancestry.
Vera was dearly loved and respected by her family, friends and community. She leaves behind her loving family: two daughters, Linda (Russ) Wells of Sidney, Mont., and Karen (Kurt) Swenson of Williston; four sons, William “Billy” Bolken of Williston and wife Debbie of Fargo, Robert “Bob” Bolken of Gillette, Wyo., Kurt Bolken of Los Angeles, Calif., and Lowell (Cindy) Bolken of Minneapolis, Minn.; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Arlen (Dorothy) Anderson of Williston and Melvin Anderson of Watford City; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hillmar; infant son, Richard; sister, Grace (Anderson) Bolken; and brother, David Anderson.
Friends may visit www.eversonfh.com to share remembrances of Vera.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER