Robert George Bolling

ROBERT G. BOLLING February 17, 1949-April 25, 2026 Robert George Bolling passed away on April 25, 2026. He was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on February 17, 1949, to a young Milaca couple George & Mabel (Koksma) Bolling. Bob grew up in Wayzata, Minnesota along with his three siblings, Sandy, Judy & Rick. Drafted into the US Army in 1969, he spent a year in the combat zones of Vietnam and was honorably discharged as Specialist 4th Class. Soon after his return home, he and his wife had a daughter, Genevieve. In the early 70s, he initiated his first business. He set the stage for a lifetime of hard work and determination. Driven to succeed, this self-taught entrepreneur built not just one, but two businesses over the course of his life. Bob was fueled by a desire to create a good life for himself and those he loved, especially his daughter. He found great joy boating on Lake Minnetonka. Owning a home on the lake brought him pride and a sense of accomplishment. It represented hard-earned success and instilled his love of the lake lifestyle. Bob was always eager to entertain - whether just a few people at home on a quiet evening or a day out on the boat. He brought people together with his energy, humor, and the gift of creating memorable moments with laughter and connection. The holiday season was no exception. In the earlier years, Bob always looked forward to celebrating with his family on Thanksgiving and Christmas, whether at his home, sister Judy's or mother Mabel's home. He was generous with gifts and loved seeing others happy, even though his wrapping skills never improved. Aside from sharing a birthday, Bob and his sister Judy shared many laughs during holidays. Bob had a passion for motorcycles. He made many memorable road trips to Sturgis and other rallies around the country. He embraced the sense of freedom and adventure motorcycles brought him. In a sea of denim and leather, you could always spot Bob; he would ride up sporting summer weight wool khaki pants, a silk shirt, and a pair of Italian loafers. Music was woven deeply into Bob's life, reflecting the spirit he carried. Jimmy Buffett was the soundtrack to many days spent on the lake. He also liked the grit and storytelling of outlaw country music, a passion he shared with his brother Rick. Bob loved movies. He would captivate those around him with impersonations of memorable movie characters. He could quote lines and bring a scene to life in his own animated way with humor, energy, and heart. Bob dreamt of retiring to Florida. It was his vacation destination many times over the years. He constantly spoke of returning to his favorite restaurants and beaches in Naples. Later in life, the success Bob enjoyed was interrupted by dementia. In 2021, Gen moved him into a private room overlooking the campus at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis. Bob received excellent care and was consistently treated with kindness, dignity and respect from all staff at the Veterans Home. Their patience and genuine compassion brought comfort not only to Bob but to those who loved him. The last two months of his life, Bob especially enjoyed visits from his friend Mark of Joyful Companions Home Care. In March 2026, Bob was diagnosed with lymphoma which took him a month later. His long-time friend Don Christensen & Gen were with him when he passed. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Robert Joseph; siblings Rick Bolling & Sandy Adams. He is survived by daughter Genevieve Bolling; sister Judy (Steve) Johnson; uncle Roy Bolling; cousins Eileen (Joel) Beggs, Diane (Steve) Johnson, Britta (Ross) Carter, Tina Graham; niece Melissa Farris; nephews Rob Adams and Ryan (Carol) Farris. He will be remembered as an ambitious, bold-spirited man determined to live life fully on his own terms. Rest in peace, Dad. Because my dad often talked about wanting to get a dog, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pets for Vets St Paul, MN Chapter https://petsforvets.com/donate/online or the Minnesota Animal Humane Society https://give.animalhumanesociety.org/campaign/723849/donate Please share your favorite Bob stories above - click on Tribute Wall. Service on Tuesday June 2, 2026 as follows: Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery (7601 So 34th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55450) 8:45am -- Plan to arrive at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Assembly Area 2. Upon arrival, please drive all the way to the north end of Assembly Area 2 and wait for the Cemetery Representative who will lead our group via procession over to the committal shelter. 9:00am -- Military Honors provided by Memorial Rifle Squad 9:15am -- Service will conclude. NOTE: The Fort Snelling schedule does not allow for services to last more than 15 minutes. Please vacate the committal shelter immediately to honor the next family's scheduled service. 9:20am -- Drive to Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis and park in the reserved areas (5101 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417 Bldg 19) Memorial Service at the Veterans Home 10:00am -- Gathering in Building 19 on the 1st Floor - C115 Community Room/C116 Chapel 10:30am -- Memorial service in the Community Room Luncheon to follow the service.

Robert George Bolling

February 17, 1949 - April 25, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services