Robert Edwin Bolz

Age 84, died Thursday March 14, 2001. Bob was born in Treynor, Iowa on February 3, 1917 to Gustave and Grace Bolz, then moved with his family to Ballard when he was twelve. He was a graduate of Ballard High School, then became a mechanic, working for the military in Kodiak, Alaska. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWII, qualified as a pilot, and was stationed in Indo-China with the 11th Combat Cargo Squadron, flying a C-47 over the Himalayas. He successfully completed all missions, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross with two clusters and an Air Medal with two clusters. After completing his military service, he became a commercial mink rancher, then a commercial mink pelter, where he patented and revolutionized the industry by developing a method to dry pelts fur side out. Bob was a member of the Everett Masonic Scottish Rite Temple, the Fraternal Order of Elks, and the China Burma India Hump Pilot Association. He believed in the best of people and lived by the golden rule. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Lois Bolz Simpson, and his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Margaret McGuire Bolz. Bob is survived by his son, John Bolz and wife Sandra; daughters Jane Bolz Simpson and husband William; and Kathryn Bolz Landoski and husband Nicholas, nine grandchildren and numerous friends throughout North America. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 17 at 4 PM, Evergreen - Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora N., Seattle. A memorial for Bob will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Shriner?s Hospital for Children.