Obituary: George Bolo, Jr.

As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:

George William Bolo Jr., age 60 of Baraga, MI passed away on Saturday, February 19th, 2022, at his home in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones.

Known as Bill or Billy Bob to most and Uncle Bill to more than just his nieces and nephews, was born April 17, 1961, in Ontonagon, MI son of George and Leona “Girlie” (Durant) Bolo. Bill grew up in Green, MI just outside of Ontonagon. He graduated from White Pine High School in 1979.

As a young man, he worked as a Waiter at Paul’s Supper Club in Silver City, MI. During college, he worked winters at the Porcupine Mountain Ski Resort. As Bill recalled, he usually did a little more skiing than working. His professional career started as a Metal Fabricator at Lakeshore Mfg. in the shipyards of Ontonagon, MI. Bill and his family moved to Colorado in 1998, where he worked as a Carpenter/Framer in Colorado Springs. After moving back to the U.P. in 2005 with his current partner Connie, he re-established his career back in Metal Fabricating at Selkey’s Mfg. and Pettibone in Baraga. He was a very dedicated worker who cared about doing things the right way

Bill led a life of many enjoyments. Like his ancestors, he spent the majority of his life dedicated to hunting and fishing. He told his high school football coach that he couldn’t play anymore because he wanted to bird hunt after school instead. Despite that, Bill was still an avid sports fan. After watching the Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl I, he continued to be a lifelong fan. He also favored the University of Michigan (Go Blue), the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons. He was very passionate about the music he listened to. He attended many concerts and any activity always included someone jamming in the background. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and would never shy away from a good time. This usually included a “few” beers, among other things. Bill enjoyed mother nature and the great outdoors. He spent countless days and nights canoeing down various U.P. rivers with family and friends over the years. He also spent year after year out at Deer Camp and enjoyed his life off the grid. Bill was very proud of his Native ancestry and heritage and how it influenced him spiritually. He believed in the strength of his circle and those who are in it; and those that will uphold this strength now that he has moved on.

Surviving is his partner Connie Ball, Baraga, MI; father George Bolo Sr., Baraga; sisters, Dianne (Jay) McMahon and Lynelle Bolo, both of Baraga, MI; aunt Catherine “Nonie” Sanquist, Baraga, MI; children/grandchildren, 4 sons, Will (Ericka) Bolo, Hancock, MI and their children, Fay, Matthew, John, and twins Isabelle and Aryana; Avery Perry, Ironwood, MI and his daughter Kailah; Benjamin Bolo, Marquette, MI; Bradley (Breanna) Bolo Negaunee, MI and grand dog Winston Bishop Bolo; nephews and nieces: Mitchell Bolo, Baraga, MI; Zachary Gougeon, Baraga, MI; Ariel Gougeon, Malta, NY; Rachel Clisch, Baraga, MI; and Joshua Sutherland, San Diego, CA.
Preceding him in death is his mother, Leona “Girlie” Bolo.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 25th at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church 14808 Assinins Rd. Assinins, MI 49908 with Fr. Tom Merkel officiating. Visitation will begin at 11am, service starting at 12pm. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Post 444, 505 S. Superior Ave., in Baraga. If anyone would like to bring a dish, food donations are greatly encouraged for the luncheon and can be dropped off at the American Legion the morning of.

Prior to his passing, Bill urged his loved ones to not cry for him when he is gone, but to have a beer for him instead.