WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Raymond Lee Bolender, age 91, of Sun City West, Arizona, and former resident of Sturgis, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born December 12, 1932 at the family farm near Centerville, a son of the late John and Josephine (Hasbrouck) Bolender.
He served in the US Navy as an Engineer until 1954. That same year, he met and married his beloved wife Ruth. Together they raised a family of three daughters.
Through his professional career, he was a machinist, an engineer, and worked in sales. He retired from Venture Welding in 1999. In 2001, he and Ruth left the Midwest for sunny Arizona with much of the family following. Even after his retirement, he consulted on engineering and fabrication processes for contemporary art installations in Phoenix and New York City.
From 2002 to 2024, he was a member of the Sun City West Metal Club – a Maker Space and Social Community. Here, he continued to pursue his love of design, fabrication, and machining. He was an innovator and maker and was particularly known for his kinetic garden sculptures, which he was making until a few months before his passing.
Raymond was a man of exactitude and always full of curiosity. Driven by his love of family, involvement in community, and the pride of his craft, he lived a full and dedicated life. His other interests included movies and television of the American Frontier, baseball, and gardening. He also extensively researched his family genealogy.
After 56 years of marriage, Ruth preceded him in death on July 02, 2011. He was also preceded by his daughters: Raeletta Bolender and Raejean Bolender; sisters: Marguerite Jean Miller and Dorthy Stiver; brothers: Richard Bolender and Paul Bolender.
He is survived by his daughter Raechelle (Shelli) and her husband Lester (JR.) Hochstetler of Peoria, AZ; Grandsons: Nicholas Hochstetler of Hudson, NY and Ryan Hochstetler of Cave Creek, AZ; sister Nancy Wagner of Lansing, MI.
Memorial Contributions can be made in Raymond’s name to: Sun City West Metal Club, 13849 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West, AZ 85375 – scwmetalclub.com
