David Joel Bolen

IRONWOOD, Mich. — David Joel Bolen, 87, of Ironwood passed away on Sept. 20, 2026. He was born in 1939 in Wakefield, Michigan, to Harold J. Bolen and Florence M. (Dufresne) Bolen.

David attended school in Ironwood through the 11th grade before moving with his parents to Babbitt, Minnesota, where he completed high school. After graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy with a memorable stationing in Kodiak, Alaska. Following his honorable discharge, David moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he met his former wife, Kristine. They had two sons, Eric and Mark, and later returned to Ironwood, where David remained for the rest of his life.

David was a hardworking and dedicated provider who held many jobs throughout his career, including Coca-Cola delivery driver in Minneapolis; salesman for Plywood Minnesota in the Chicago area; and positions with Gertz Furniture, Alpine Building Supply, Economy Office Supply, and Bessemer Plywood. He worked at Bessemer Plywood for 25 years and spent more than 10 years at Big Powderhorn Mountain. David remained in the workforce until the age of 80.

He also was active in his community through Cub Scouts and Little League Baseball. His greatest passion, however, was karate. For more than 30 years, he studied, practiced and taught the art, eventually earning the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt (Go Dan). Through karate, he formed many lifelong friendships, including a special friendship with Dave Betlewski, with whom he shared his knowledge and passion for the art.

David was preceded in death by both his parents and his sister, Jean Hotchkiss (Lolly). He is survived by a sister, Patricia Stutz; two sons, Eric (Jen Stice), Mark and beloved daughter-in-law Christina; and his grandchildren, Aunica, Keegan and Caitlyn; as well as Jen’s children, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

David was cremated, with funeral arrangements entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home of Ashland, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Big Powderhorn Mountain’s Caribou Lodge, Bessemer, MI.

David will be interred at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township.