RENSSELAERVILLE – Robert Lawrence Bolte, 73 passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side on Sunday, March 5, 2017. Bob was born on August 14, 1943 in Tomahawk, Wisconsin to the late Alma and Thomas Bolte. He joined the US Navy in 1961 where he served on the USS Boxer until 1966. His rank was Electrician 3rd Class. After leaving the Navy, he started his own electrical business, Bob’s Electric. He began working for Bryant’s Super Inc. in 1980 and served as their maintenance and repair man and became the right-hand man for the Bryant family.
Bob served on the Rensselaerville Town Board for many years; was named Volunteer of the Year in 2015. He single handedly raised the money for the town to purchase the Senior Bus; and designed, created and maintained the Veterans Ring of Honor at the Rensselaerville Town Hall. His generosity and kindness towards friends and those in need will be missed. He had many interests and could do ANYTHING. The list of talents and abilities Bob had is incredible.
He may have ruffled a lot of feathers throughout his life but he was dedicated to doing the right thing for his family, community and country; often times not the easiest of decisions but with an authentic, genuine “Bob” approach. And with the intention of making America Great Again.
Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen Julie (Bodi) Bolte. They were married June 24, 1967 in East Greenbush, NY. They built their own home in Rensselaerville, NY in 1972. He is also survived by his daughter, Elaine K Sargent, her husband Mark Sargent, grandsons Evan and Ethan of Powhatan, Virginia; special nephew Dave Bolte and his family of Brimfield, Mass; sisters Darlene and Dorothy; brother Eugene; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by five sisters and five brothers.
Bob generously donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program of the Albany Medical College. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Rensselaerville Senior Bus Fund or the Veterans Ring of Honor Fund. Checks can be made payable to the fund you choose, and sent to the Town of Rensselaerville, 87 Barger Road, Medusa, NY 12120.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Westerlo Reformed Church in Westerlo, NY at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11th. A reception will follow the service at the Fellowship Hall. The family is asking attendees to wear red (clothes, jewelry, feather, etc.) in honor of Bob – it was his favorite color. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
John and Jeanne Bensen
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bob. Our most sincere condolences to the Bolte family.
M. J. Lynett USN (Ret)
Shipmate you stand relieved….we have the watch. Ring the Ship’s Bell: Electricians Mate Third Class Bolte departing.
Alexander Bryant (Zan)
Bob, It was such an honor to have you as a friend. You were one of a kind. Solving problems was your specialty. Getting right to the point was your trademark. We kidded about fixing things that would last until you were seventy. You made it. If God needs something taken care of, he has has picked up a good man! Karen and Elaine you have been through so much with our family you are special. To Mark, Evan and Ethan and the rest of the family that we don’t know as well our condolences to all of you. It is important that you know how highly we regarded this tough but kind special man. Zan & Alice Bryant
Roger and Sherley Hannay
Bob was truly a man for all seasons and for many reasons. He touched countless lives with kindnesses and took very little praise for doing so. He will be sorely missed.
Walt & Cookie Birmann
Our condolences to Karen ,Elaine and the Bolte Family.
Bob’s legacy as a Patriot, his concern for our Veterans and his fellow man and his generosity to anyone who needed a helping hand will be sorely missed.
Walt and Cookie Birmann
Colin&Hazel Hindmarsh
Dear Cousin Karen,Elaine&family,We. we’re so sad to here of Bobs passing and only found out from an Internet search to regain lo st phone numbers and addresses for you and the Bodi ‘s . We fondly remember our visits to you & Bob .He was somewhat of a hero figure ,a man of many talents .Our grandkids were told they had relative in the USA who the children’s character Bob the Builder was named after.You are all in our thoughts here in the UK Love you all lot .Colin & Hazel