James R. Bolen

A visitation and gathering of family and friends for James Richard Bolen, 89, of Aurora will be held Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 10am-12noon at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Military honors will be accorded by the Aurora/Hoyt Lakes Color Guard at 12noon at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at the Aurora American Legion Post. The family also suggests wearing a mask to keep everyone healthy for the holidays. James died of natural causes Friday, December 17, 2021 at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota. He was born January 18, 1932 in Two Harbors, Minnesota to Roy and Huldi (Oberg) Bolen. He attended Two Harbors Schools and worked as a logger on the Gunflint Trail. James enlisted with the US Army and served in Korea from 1950-1951. Following his military service, he worked for the DMIR Railroad in railroad communications. In 1954 he married Delores Anderson. James retired from the DMIR in 1992. James was a Life Member of the Timothy Robinson VFW Post and a Life Member of its Color Guard for 68 years. He was also a member of the Aurora American Legion Post 241, a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans and IBEW. He enjoyed woodworking and a good cup of Arco Coffee. Survivors include his daughter, Beth (Paul) Sullivan of Hibbing; son, Lee (Linda) Bolen of Warroad; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Donald Bolen; sisters: Lucille “Cookie” Puent and Lolly Cavallin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Huldi; wife, Delores; sons: Randy and Michael; grandson, Garrett.