Donald J. Bolen, 94, of Two Harbors passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay.

Don was born August 18, 1928, to Roy and Hulde (Oberg) Bolen and was a lifelong resident of Two Harbors until moving to the Veterans Home in 2018.

He proudly enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 and served our country during both World War II and the Korean War.

Don and Lucille, his wife of 69 years, made their home in Silver Creek, where they raised their three children, had a small hobby farm, and were very active members of the community.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, woodworking, and published several books.

He was a former president of the Minnesota Trappers Association and had a patent on two skinning knives. Don had been a former long-time member of the VFW and Moose and remained a member of American Legion Anderson-Claffy Post 109.

Don worked at Reserve Mining as boiler operator for 17 years before taking the position of chief building maintenance engineer for Lake County where he remained until retirement, at which point he could be found almost daily at the Senior Citizen Workshop in Two Harbors.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Hulde; brothers Vernon, James, and Laurance; wife Lucille; son-in-law Jim; daughterin-law Carol.

He is survived by his children, Donna Maas, Jeff Bolen, and Denise (Bob) Olson; grandchildren Jim, Jennifer, Debbie, Greg, Mike, Jacob, and Jessie; six great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters Lucille “Cookie” (David) Puent and Laural “Lolly” Cavallin; several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Interment with military honors at Lakeview Cemetery in Two Harbors on Monday, October 24, at 11 a.m. Luncheon with words of remembrance to follow at the American Legion, 614 First Avenue, Two Harbors, at 12:00.

Don made many wonderful friendships throughout his life which he forever cherished. Special thank you and gratitude to the staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay who provided him with 4 years of outstanding care and love. “Tack sa mycket.”