Emil A. Bolline, DDS

Emil A. Bolline, DDS died on January 4, 2013 of natural causes at the age of 97. He was born in Odanah, Wisconsin on November 24, 1915 to Peter and Catherine Bollini who had previously immigrated to the United States from Sesto Calende, Italy. In 1919 the family returned to Italy, and then moved back to the United States in 1921, taking up residency in Bessemer, MI. Dr. Bolline graduated from Bessemer High School and attended the University of Michigan, graduating from the School of Dentistry in 1940. He was employed as a dentist by the Ypsilanti State Hospital before being commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the US Navy in 1941. During World War II he served in the US Naval Dental Corps and was attached to Company B, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. In 1943 he was sent to Guadalcanal for combat training and later took part in landings on Bougainville and Guam. He participated in the amphibious attack on Guam in July, 1944, landing shortly after the first wave of Marines and while fighting was still intense. He later treated the wounded in a Combat Field Hospital in Guam. Following the war, he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago. In November, 1944 he married Eugenia (Genie) Mitchell of Lexington, South Carolina whom he had met during active duty. Following his discharge in 1947, he established a dental practice in St. Joseph, Michigan, retiring in 1980. He had remained in the Naval Reserve and achieved the rank of Commander. He was preceded in death by Genie in 1978. In 1981 he met Roma Walstrom of Harbor Springs, Michigan. He later moved to Harbor Springs where they married in 1982. They traveled overseas extensively, brought their families together for activities, and contributed to their community. Roma passed away in 2005. Dr. Bolline was a life member of the Michigan Dental Association and the University of Michigan Alumni Association. While residing in St. Joseph, he was active in the St. Joseph Catholic Parish Council, serving as its President for several years, and was a member of Berrien Hills Country Club. Following his move to Harbor Springs he was a member of Kiwanis, volunteered at the Senior Center, and belonged to the First Presbyterian Church and Harbor Point Golf Club. He enjoyed golf, University of Michigan football, gardening, wine-making, biking, and both downhill and cross country skiing. He is survived by his three children, Sharon (Don) Schmidt of Kalamazoo, MI, Peter (Ellie) Bolline of Grand Haven, MI, and Robert (Mary Alice) Bolline of St. Petersburg, FL, along with his grandchildren, Kristen (Matt) Rossi, Michael (Virginia) Schmidt, and Erica Bolline; his great-grandsons, John Michael Rossi and Stephen Thomas Rossi; stepchildren, Karin Flint, Fred (Marti) Walstrom and Ward (Mari Margaret) Walstrom, Jr; step grandchildren David Flint, Jr, Mary Lynn Flint, Lissa Topham, Michael Walstrom, Peter Walstrom, Grant Walstrom and Madeline Walstrom; and great-step granddaughters, Kaitlyn Roma Topham and Sophia Maria Flint. Also preceding him in death was his sister Armida and his four brothers, Charles, Morrie, Johnny, and Henry. A memorial Service will be held in the spring in Harbor Springs. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Harbor Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of SW MI, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Arrangements by REDMOND FUNERAL HOME, 4100 S. WESTNEDGE AVE. KALAMAZOO, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net