Gordon E. Bolks

SIOUX CITY -- Gordon E. Bolks, 88, of Sioux City died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008, at a Sioux City nursing home.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel, with the Rev. Kathie Brown officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Gordon was born Jan. 21, 1920, in Sioux City, the son of Herbert and Maude (Baker) Bolks. He graduated from high school in Hull, Iowa. After graduation, he enrolled at Northwestern Junior College in Orange City, Iowa, which his great-grandfather, the Rev. Seine Bolks, was one of the founding fathers. During his stay at Northwestern, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve his country during World War II. During his time in the U.S. Army, he attended Stanford University. After his honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a degree in journalism.

He was married to Beverly Roman on Sept. 2, 1949 in Sioux City. She preceded him in death in 2000. He worked for his father-in-law as a furnace installer for the Warm Air Clinic. He later was employed by the city of Sioux City as an inspector, retiring in 1989.

He was an avid reader. He enjoyed tending his grape vines and rhubarb patch, making jams and pies. He enjoyed music and his pets. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include a son, Stephen (Dr. Peggy) Bolks and their three children, Amy, Chris and Sarah of Spring, Texas; a son, David Bolks and his two children, Ben and Brea of West Allis, Wis.; a son, Joel Bolks of Sioux City; a daughter, Susan (Patrick) O'Connor and their son, Collin of Sioux City; and a brother, Dr. H.P. "Birdie" Bolks of Hull, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and an infant brother, Kenneth Arthur.

Memorials may be sent to the Iowa Department of The Blind or Iowa Hospice.