Rick Bolender, 70

Ricky L. Bolender, age 70, of Centreville, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. He was born October 7, 1953 at Three Rivers Hospital, a son of Paul and Betty (Schrader) Bolender. He graduated from Centreville High School. During high school Rick worked as a gas station attendant for the old Shell gas station, downtown Centreville, and also in construction for his father’s business Paul W. Bolender, General Contractor. Later Rick worked for 30 years for General Motors/American Axle, before retiring. He was a farmer his entire life. After retiring, he drove semi-truck running coast to coast seeing the country for Swift and Transport America for 5 years until he stayed home to care for his parents prior to their passing.  He lived in Centreville his entire life.

Rick was a hardworking man, driven by morals and values. He enjoyed his morning coffee while watching shows like MASH, Bonanza, and John Wayne movies. His kids and his farmland were his entire world. Rick cherished farming the land with his family, shooting guns, and riding around on ATV’s. He was a wealth of knowledge in many fields, especially when it came to farming or construction, and he was eager to teach those skills to others needing a hand. Rick made a promise to his grandfather to never sell and keep the farm in the Bolender name. He always said, “I was born on this land and this is where I will die.” He was grounded in his passions and beliefs, and his kids will honor and continue to keep his legacy alive for generations to come.

Rick is survived by his daughters Angel (Isaac) Newburry, Ashlee (Brian) Suitto, son Jonathan (Megan) Bolender, grandchildren Zachary, Alex, Jessica, Adam, Emma, Chase, Zaiden and Jeffrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas Bolender, sister Paulette Rohr, granddaughter Angelia Newburry, and grandparents John & Josephine Bolender.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions may be directed to Centreville FFA, 190 Hogan St. Centreville, MI 49032, or the St. Joseph County Grange Fair, PO Box 578 Centreville, MI 49032. Please visit Rick’s memorial page to leave a message for his family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.