Obituary of Edward Lee Bolke

                                                             Edward L. Bolke

                                             August 10, 1936 -- Sidney, Nebraska

                                         August 7, 2017 -- Vancouver, Washington

   Edward L. Bolke, 80, of Vancouver, Washington passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a difficult battle with cancer on August 7, 2017.

   Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Kathleen, and his five children:  Anne (Nolan) DeFiesta, Bothell, WA; Pamela Bolke, Riverton, UT; Lisa Bolke, Beaverton, OR; Mark (Michelle) Bolke, Vancouver, WA; and Karen (Bryan) Nibblett, Beaverton, OR.

    He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by one grandson, Lukas.

    Ed spent his early years in Sidney, Nebraska, graduating high school in 1954.  He entered the United States Air Force in 1956 and served six years.  Ed and Kathleen were married in 1958 in Sidney, Nebraska and lived in seven different states, finally settling in Vancouver, WA in 1990.  He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey for approximately thirty years.  During his working years, he was instrumental in developing a ground water studies section that was thought of by the Regional Ground Water Specialist as the best in the Western Region.

    During his retirement years, Ed earned a Master Gardener's Certificate and became a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.  He frequently volunteered in various endeavors including St. Vincent de Paul, and was influential in landscaping the grounds for Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, of which he was an active participant.  He enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.

    He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends.  Many lives were touched by his generosity and thoughtful nature.