Louis A. Bolander

Independence - Louis Alvin Bolander, 99, of rural Warren County, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 3:54 a.m., with his family by his side.
Louis was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 3, 1926.  He was the son of the late Harry Lee Silver and Mildred Jessie (Zimmer) Bolander.  Louis's parents were divorced at an early age and he was raised by his mother Mildred and stepfather Burdette George Bolander.  Louis was also very close to his Uncle Ralph Broeking while growing up.  Louis graduated from Indianapolis Ben Davis High School in 1944.  Shortly after graduating from high school Louis enlisted in the United States Navy.  Louis wanted to be a pilot and fly fighter planes during World War II.  The Navy enrolled Louis at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.  Next, he did some schooling and training at Chicago, Illinois.  By then the war was coming to an end and the Navy cancelled the program of training servicemen to become fighter pilots.
After the war Louis went to college at Purdue University under the GI Bill.  This is when he met the love of his life, Lillian "Dody" Smith.  They were married at Saint Mary Cathedral in Lafayette, Indiana on June 28, 1952.  They had 68 wonderful years together until her passing on October 29, 2020.
Louis received his degree in Agriculture in the spring of 1949.  He started a new job at Alcoa Aluminum of America in 1951, as a chief tool and die designer, where he worked until his retirement in 1989.  Louis and Dody moved to rural Warren County near Independence in 1992.
Louis was an avid supporter of the Lafayette Central Catholic Knights.  He enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team.  He enjoyed golfing and was in a golfing league at Aloca.  He enjoyed family camping trips, gardening and studying Civil War and was an avid reader.
Louis leaves behind his six children, Brenda A. Moldthan, Lady Lake, FL; Linda L. (Andrew) Avery, The Villages, FL; Frederick M. (Linda) Bolander, Lafayette, IN; Nina M. (Michael) Kmetz, Maineville, OH; Rena A. (Robert) Schleter, Francisco, IN and Louis A. Bolander II, Noblesville, IN; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and 4 great great-grandchildren.  Louis was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carolyn Cecelia (Bolander) Jenkins;  a  great grandson, Eric Lee Carlson and a son-in-law, Steve Moldthan.
Friends may call at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 407 S. Perry St., Attica, on Tuesday, May 6th, from 9:00 a.m. until the Rosary Service at 10:45 a.m.  A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Rasner officiating.  Burial will military honors by the U.S. Navy will be held in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Lafayette.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Catholic High School, 2410 S. Ninth St., Lafayette, IN   47909.