Gary Ray Bolin (78) passed away Sept. 22, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN after a short illness. He was born on June 14, 1947 in Parsons, Kansas to Ray and Jean (Heitman) Bolin.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Sue (Lisa) Cox Bolin, son Nathan Bolin (Audrey Gross) of Tulsa, OK, daughter Katie Bolin (Patrick Kennedy) of Edina, MN, sister Debbie (Steve) Frakes of Girard, KS, and four of the most precious grandchildren: Grover, Goldie, Charlie Pearl, and Maple Bolin. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother Rick Bolin, his parents Ray and Jean (Heitman) Bolin, and his grandparents John and Angie (Ermey) Heitman and George and Lulu (Ewing) Bolin.
Gary graduated from Girard High School in 1965 and attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg. He proudly served ten years in the U.S. Navy as a radioman aboard the USS Dogfish and the nuclear-powered submarine USS James Monroe. Following his military service, he began his professional career with Unidyne Corp. in Norfolk, Virginia, before joining IBM Corporation. Gary spent the next 30 years with IBM, working first in Virginia, then in southeast Kansas, and ultimately concluding his career in Rochester, Minnesota.
Gary bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle when he retired and grew his hair long, with an iconic ponytail that he meticulously banded (up to nine at one point) every morning.
Throughout his life, Gary was especially passionate about his gun hobby and the art of shooting. He valued the discipline, precision, and patience it required, and took great joy in the practice itself. A longtime member of the IBM Gun Club, he enjoyed reloading his own ammunition and prided himself on keeping his collection in immaculate condition. Friends often turned to him for advice, trusting both his knowledge, respect, and care for the craft.
He was also very talented in all things related to his home: carpentry, plumbing, fixing anything around the house, building additions, replacing windows, installing tile, drywall—he could do it all. He loved going to estate sales and bidding on unique treasures at auctions over the years, filling his home with many antiques that his wife Lisa loved.
Gary will be remembered by his loved ones for his kind heart, effortless humor, and most of all his legendary sweet tooth—often showing up with bags of candy for his kids. His grandkids called him “Grandpa Pockets”, because they knew they could always find fruit snacks hiding in his shirt pocket. He was also always recommending dessert—dark chocolates, donuts, cookies, ice creams, and cherry pie were a few of his favorites.
His remains will be cremated and spread on his Heitman grandparents’ farm in Walnut, KS where he spent his most memorable childhood days. His urn will be interred at Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis, MN.
Please join Gary’s family and friends at his Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 5th at the Eagles Club in Rochester, MN from 1-4pm.
Gary will be deeply missed, I remember when I would take a tray of goodies I made and baked to the car lot around Christmas and he would be there visiting and oh boy did his eyes light up when he saw what I was carrying he most definitely had a sweet tooth! Rest in peace Gary our friend.Hugs and prayers for his family.
Gary was a great man!! I didn’t get to see him much throughout my life, but he was definitely one of the good ones and will definitely be missed. Rest in Peace❤️
From Uncle Fred so sorry to hear about Gary he thought of him his brother as Fred was 11 years older or so .He was at the Heitman farm with his grandparents when growing up .Want the family to ask God to give them love peace as they go through this sad time of losing a husband a dad and grandfather. Asking God to bless each of you . Uncle FRED HEITMAN
My depest condolences to the family and friends. Guns and Harley motorcycles with a long ponytail, love it. Your loved one was unquie I was blessed to have known him at IBM. Gary we’ll see you on the otherside. Amen
Nathan, Lisa and Katie- I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Gary was truly a great father and husband. I am thinking of you all.