Ruth J. Bolander

Ruth J. Bolander, 90, of Niagara, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Florence, Wisconsin. She was born on September 11, 1924 in Stambaugh, Michigan, daughter of the late Herbert and Julia (Olson) Lear. She attended school in Stambaugh, graduating from Stambaugh High School in 1942. She went on to attend Augustana Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1946 as an RN. Ruth married Leroy Bolander on March 10, 1948. They shared 31 years of traveling, camping, and giving special attention to nieces, nephews and cousins. He preceded her in death in 1983. She was employed as an RN at the VA Hospital in Iron Mountain for more than 21 years. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 231, #44. Ruth rekindle a friendship with a former classmate and neighbor, Tullio DePouli and together they spent time going to the casino, and even a trip to Italy. Ruth is survived by her brother in-laws, Donald (Diane) Bolander and James (Sandy) Bolander; sisters in-law, Arlene Petersen, Jane Gray and Carol Scavarda; cousins JoAnne Cunningham, Norma Kasmarek, Margie (Doug) Otto, Arthur Smeester, Ruth Anne Smeester, Jack (Donna) LaFountain, Carol Lamminen, Lois (Russ) Kopidlansky, Kay (Jim) Wester, David (Ann) Bolander, Mark (Luann) Bolander, and Janice Vigo; nieces and nephews, Lucille (Bill) Gehling, Irene (Mike) Badini, Harold (Cheryl) Petersen, Rick Bolander, Todd (Leslie) Bolander, Scott Bolander, Laura (Rick) Leisgang; special friends, Roxanne and Dan Isaacson and their daughters, Sarah Isaacson and Erica Fletcher. Ruth was preceded in death by her 3 year old brother, Robert Lear; a nephew Steven Bolander; cousins, Merrill Lear, Frances Ouradnik, Robert LaFountain, Richard LaFountain; brother in-law, Merlin Petersen; special friend, Tullio DePouli. The visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2014 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Rev. James Lindgren will officiate. Burial will take place in the Stambaugh Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in her memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ruth J. Bolander online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Kingsford with the funeral arrangements.

Ruth J. Bolander

September 11, 1924 - October 16, 2014