John J. Bolt

John Bolt Jr was born on May 30, 1939. He was the youngest of seven children born to John and Henrietta (DeGroot) Bolt on the Bolt farm northeast of Leota, MN.

While growing up, John was no stranger to tragedies in his family. His sister Evelyn lost her life in a car accident and his father suddenly passed away at the age of 55 due to a heart attack.

After graduating from Leota Christian Elementary school, he continued his education at Southwest Christian High School. He graduated in 1957 and attended Dordt College for two years.

John enjoyed playing softball and met Arlowynne DenOuden who had come to watch. They were married on March 25, 1960.

He started working for Marsh’s clothing store after college. In 1968, he purchased the store and changed the name to Mr. John’s. In 1978, John sold the store and became an independent insurance agent.

John and Arlowynne were blessed with two children, Lenae and Kevin.

Ed and Lenae Scholten have two daughters Emily Scholten and Elizabeth Winter (Emerson) and their son Camden. 

Kevin and Kim (Terpstra) Bolt have four daughters. Jessica (Joe) Russell and their daughters Jayda and Brynlee, Karianne (Billy) Graves and their sons Wyatt and Parker, Taylor (Chandler) Brunsting and Molly (Landon) Vander Leest.

A highlight for John and Arlowynne was to have twenty years of traveling to Mesa, Arizona during the winters. They made many good friends, enjoyed playing golf and cards and attending church at Maranatha.

John loved the Lord throughout his life and served as both an elder and deacon at the Pipestone Christian Reformed Church.

In 2018, John entered the Good Samaritan Home and passed away there on October 8, 2023.

Greeting John in heaven are his parents, John Sr. and Henrietta, his brothers Rolland and Harold; his sisters Alma Rozeboom, Evelyn Bolt, Esther DeKam and Carolyn Van Dam along with their spouses. Those saddened by his leaving are his wife Arlowynne, his children Lenae and Kevin and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Others who will miss him are his sister-in-law Elaine Bolt Peterson and her husband Harley; Pete DeKam and his wife Helene; brother-in-law Bernard DenOuden and his wife Beverly, along with many nephews and nieces.

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