Carl H. Bolken
Memorial services for Carl H. Bolken, 74, of Watford City, N.D., will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D. Pastoral Assistant Rob Favorite will officiate and interment of his cremains with military honors will take place at the Riverview Cemetery in Williston at 1:45 p.m. Carl passed away at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, Mont., on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.
Carl Henry Bolken was born on April 21, 1935, in Alexander, the son of Mildred Bolken. He grew up in Rawson, N.D., and went to school in Alexander. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, he went into the army for two years. After returning from the military, he went to school to be a plumber like his Uncle Swede. Realizing he wanted to do more than plumbing, he started his own construction business.
On Feb. 14, 1958, he married Bette Lee. Together they had three wonderful sons and established their life in Watford City. Soon after moving to Watford City, he started General Builders as a general contractor. Carl was a generous man, focused on giving back and helping others out. Carl mentored several young men in the community who eventually became general contractors themselves. He showed his appreciation for his employees and friends by hosting company picnics and several fishing and golfing trips over the years.
Throughout the years, they had many successful business ventures, including construction, hobby and carpet store, hardware store and eventually establishing the Cherry Creek RV Park.
In 1983, they relocated to Yuma, Ariz., for another business venture to develop a retirement subdivision. The grandkids have many memories around the pool and hanging out in the tree house he built. In 2005, Carl and Bette were excited to return to Watford City to be closer to friends and family.
Carl and Bette traveled extensively with their children and grandchildren over the years. He loved spending time with his family, and one of his favorite pastimes was playing cribbage. You always knew Carl was nearby when you heard him whistling, and one of the most joyful sounds was his contagious laugh.
Carl is survived by his sons, Scott Bolken of Torrance, Calif., Todd Bolken (Debbie) of Boise, Idaho, Doug Bolken (Kristin) of Watford City, N.D.; six grandchildren, Jill, Jami, and Carly of Torrance, Calif., Tyler (Sheena) and Cody of Boise, Idaho, Kye of Watford City, N.D.; two great-grandchildren, Jaxon of Boise, Idaho, and Cienna of Yuma, Ariz.; his brother Nels (Stephanie) Heggen, his sisters Muriel (Alan) Henrikson and Joanne (Larry) Njos; and mother-in-law, Elna Lee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bette Bolken, in June of 2009, and mother, Mildred Heggen.
Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home in Watford City on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., and one hour before services at the Church on Thursday.