Edward Bolek

Ed was born in Norway on Aug. 26, 1928, the son of the late Joseph and Pauline (Huda) Bolek.

Ed married Arlene Alm on July 1, 1950, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2009.

Ed was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Ed had great affection for his lifetime hometown of Norway and his many friends. He was a devoted lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church where he was an altar server both in his youth and senior years.

Ed was a man in constant motion. If he was not working at the Niagara paper mill, enjoying his family, or at church, he could be found golfing, playing in a polka band, cutting wood, hunting, using his mechanical and construction skills to help out a friend, or just discussing the topic of the day. Ed loved life.

The Bolek family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community for their exceptional loving care.

Also, a special thank you to the many friends, caregivers and physicians who enhanced Ed’s well-being and allowed him to enjoy life into his later years.

Ed is survived by daughter, Lori (Ric) Parolini of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., and sons, Paul (Hester) Bolek of Bear Lake and Larry (Carla) Bolek of Norway; grandchildren, Jason (Kimberly) Bolek of New Lennox Ill., Kevin Bolek of Chino Hills, Calif., and Brett Bolek of Marquette; great-grandchildren, Isabella and Daphne Bolek of New Lennox; and sister Lorraine (Clarence) DeBakker of Norway; many nieces and nephews; and his little friend, Cheesy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene; and siblings, John, Frank, Michael, Louis and Walter Bolek; John, Catherine, Victoria, Charles, Walter, Mary, Albert and Frank Rysiewicz.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.

Ed’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church, with Fr. Timothy M. Ekaitis officiating.

Ed will be laid to rest next to his wife Arlene in Norway Township Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be designated to Holy Spirit Central School, per Ed’s wishes.

Condolences to the family of Ed may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.

“Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, Unheard, but Always near, Still Loved, Still Missed and Very Dear.”