CREMATION - UPSHUR COUNTY		


Gilmer -- Memorial services for Raymond M. Bolsenga, 92, of Tyler, will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 2 P.M. at the Sand Hill Cemetery Pavilion with Pastor Robert Carter of Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Grubbs-Loyd Funeral Home in Gilmer.

Born on March 24, 1923, in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Joseph Jacob and Antoinette Hattie Gorski Bolsenga, he died on Thursday, April 16, 2015. His early school years were spent at a Catholic school and in 1942 he graduated from public school.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during World War II. After being in the Air Force for three years, he came out as a Sergeant. He then attended college for ROTC. After completion he went back into the Air Force and served another seven years as an officer, leaving as a 1st Lieutenant.

He then entered the University of Kansas, majoring in engineering. He was employed by the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. After thirty years of employment, he retired.

He later met and married Genevieve Johnson Stracener. Ray especially enjoyed spending time on the golf course, and, luckily, in 2007 he made a hole in one.

At the time of his death he was surrounded with loved ones--Genny, Donald, and Eunnie.

Today he leaves behind his wife, Genevieve Bolsenga; step-child, Donald Stracener; siblings, James and Mary; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bolsenga was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Donna Strickland; siblings, Stance, Frank, Joseph, John, and Ann.

If so desired, memorials may be given to Heart to Heart Hospice, 1402 Rice Road, Suite 100, Tyler, TX 75703 or the Sand Hill Cemetery Association, C/O Jerry Putman, 1279 Gardenia Road, Gilmer, Texass 75645

No visitation is scheduled.