William Bolken
William “Billy” Bolken, 66, West Fargo, N.D., (formerly of Williston, Watford City and Alexander) passed away peacefully due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease, at the Luther Memorial Home, Mayville, N.D., Sunday, July 17, 2016.
“Billy” was born on Jan. 2, 1950, in Williston, N.D., the son of Hillmar “Bill” and Vera Bolken, Alexander, N.D.
He was a 1968 graduate of Alexander Public School and attended Dickinson State College until his enlistment into the U.S. Army in 1969. He was stationed at Fort Polk, La., and served in Germany. After he returned from Germany he spent a year with the North Dakota National Guard in Williston.
He married Debbie Elton in 1974, and together they raised three sons, Darin, Brent and Cody.
“Billy” and his twin brother, Bob, opened Bolken Bros. Construction in Watford City in 1974. He spent most of his career as an electrical contractor working on many farms and buildings around McKenzie County.
He spent four years on the Watford City Council and eight years as the mayor, where he received numerous awards. He also spent many years on the McKenzie County Fair Board and was involved in several economic development projects in Watford City and McKenzie County.
He also spent seven years on the staff of District 8 School System in Williston, where he took care of three rural schools: Garden Valley, Stony Creek and Round Prairie.
After retiring in 2012, he moved to West Fargo to be closer to his family.
“Billy” is survived by his sons, Darin (Lisa), West Fargo, Brent and Cody, Fargo; two grandchildren, Carter and Hailey Bolken, West Fargo; a sister, Linda (Russ) Wells, Punta Gorda, Fla.; three brothers, Bob, Gillette, Wyo., Kurt, Palm Springs, Calif., and Lowell (Cindy), Minneapolis, Minn.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hillman and Elvera; and a sister, Karen (Kurt) Swenson, Williston.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2016, at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate “Billy” ’s life.
Flowers may be sent to West Funeral Homes, 321 Sheyenne St., West Fargo. Cards may be sent to Darin Bolken, 1125 46th Ave., West Fargo, N.D. 58078. Remembrances and condolences may be posted at www.westfuneralhome.com.