Donald James Bolstad

Donald James Bolstad passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023 surrounded by family.

Donald was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 23, 1927 to Gertrude and Conrad Bolstad. He was 96 ¼ years old at the time of his passing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Patricia (Bolstad) Fossum, Marilyn (Bolstad) Thompson and Margery (Bolstad), his brothers Richard Bolstad and David Bolstad. He is survived by 13 nieces and nephews, 23 great nephews and nieces and at least 10 great, great nephews and nieces.

Donald lived a full life. He dropped out of high school to join the Merchant Marines at 17 years old. He remembers having one of his favorite foods -Pizza for the first time in New Jersey when he served with the Merchant Marines.

He married Evelyn “Arch” Bolstad when he was 21 years old during a weekend leave when he was serving in the military. He had a love of German Shepherd dogs with his favorite named Ruffles. Ruffles was a show dog and smart as a whip and even though she passed away in 1966, he still talked about Ruffles regularly. He eventually settled in Bloomington MN where he resided until 1975 when he and his wife moved to Vegas to start a new business. The first bar they opened was the KEG ROOM and he was involved in partnerships with many over the years.

He traveled the world, attended most if not all of the nieces and nephews weddings and had a very blessed life. One of his favorite memories was a fishing trip that he took with all of his brothers to Alaska. He would spend Thanksgiving with his family every year either hosting the dinner or attending one out of town. Even though he did not have any children of his own, he treated all of of his nieces and nephews as if they were his. He was the uncle that would wrestle with us, go swimming, tickle us until we cried and was there to celebrate all of the milestones of our lives. Family was important to him.

At about the age of 88 he retired. He quit driving on his 90th birthday because he was afraid the DMV would not renew his license. In 2019, at the age of 92, he moved in with his niece in Phoenix and was healthy and independent until an unexpected illness took his strength and his desire for nourishment. He loved food, travel, nice cars and family. He had a quick wit. His mind was sharp as a tack and he passed surrounded by the love of his family.

A visitation for Donald will be held Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123. A funeral service will occur Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123. A committal service will occur Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Palm Valley View Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Bolstad family.