Donald "Don" Bolgrean
Bolgrean, Donald Alan “Don”, 67 of Minnetonka, MN came to the end of his adventures on September 19th, 2020 when complications from ALS cut short a life not ready to be completed; he passed away peacefully in his own home.
He was preceded in death by his father Clarence Bolgrean, father and mother-in-law Harold and Mary Ann Klosterman, brothers-in-law Wally Kunerth (Michelle), Brian Knowles (Janet), and Michael Klosterman, and sister-in-law Mary Jo Klosterman (Jim Glaser). He is survived by Julie, his high school sweetheart, projects partner, traveling companion, and wife of 38 years with whom he would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this fall. He was a dedicated father and grandfather to and also survived by his beloved daughter Allison Brown (Jared) and five month old joy of his life grandson Landon Brown, both of whom share his passion for cheering on the Minnesota Twins. He is also survived by his mother Gertrude Bolgrean, brothers Gene (Charm) and Harold, and sisters Michelle Kunerth, Gail Badger (Kevin), Aleda Melquist (David), and Phyllis Briss (Doug), four sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, 20 nieces and nephews, two great-nephews, and one great-niece.
Born and raised in Fargo, ND, Don had a knack for finding solutions to every challenge he met while at work or play, and was destined to be an engineer. After embracing the “eight year” college plan (including a detour to Colorado to play ski bum), Don graduated from NDSU with a degree in civil engineering and was employed as an engineer at Moorhead Machinery and Boiler Company in Minneapolis for 40 years, rising to be its president in 2017. He was a living example of actions speaking louder than words. His colleagues, friends and family knew him to be a calming and knowledgeable force of few words, but also to have a dry sense of humor and amusement, having been known to completely encase a monetary graduation gift in a wooden block. He embraced a musical spectrum from ACDC to Mozart, all cranked to full volume. Don appreciated the outdoors, spending time fishing for crappies at his camping retreat on Long Lake and muskies in northern Minnesota, pheasant hunting in North Dakota, hiking around the North Shore every fall, and creating and maintaining an extensive hosta garden at his home. He enjoyed culinary experimentation, road trips, venturing to many national parks and multiple states with Julie over the years, and sipping a Jack and Coke in the evenings. He had a soft spot for the underdog and an uncanny sixth sense for predicting the future. Don would not want attention for anything that he was or had done, but he was the rock of our families, and his presence will be profoundly missed by all of us who have been privileged to know and love him.
Services and burial will be held in Fargo, ND. Please contact Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND for further information. Memorials suggested to Save the Boundary Waters.
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So very sad to hear the news of Don’s passing. Growing up on 4th Ave. with them all brings back some memories. May he rest in peace and I send hugs and prayers to all his family.
Thinking of the family during this sad time. Didn’t see my nephew much because we live so far apart,but have wonderful memories of him.Sending love and hugs to his family and to my sister,his mother,Gert Bolgrean..
Rest in Peace Don.
Love,
Uncle Mel and Aunt Greta
Our thoughts are with Don’s family at this sad time in their lives. I (Rhonda) remember going to the “Bolgrean’s house” as kids to spend the day with my cousins when we lived in a nearby town. (My Dad was Gert’s brother.) We always had fun together. I was so pleased to see Don after many years when he and his brothers came to my Dad’s funeral. They came over to our house afterwards and we had a very nice time getting reacquainted after many years. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Just heard the sad news about Don. I’m not sure the right words to express how great a person Don was. From the times in Highschool through College his smile and integrity reflected I’m sure the Man he was throughout the years.
May our Lord bless Julie, and all his loved ones.
Steve M
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing Julie. Prayers to all your family. Strength to you during this difficult time. May God watch over you. Always missing the classmates from Shanley. We all went our separate ways to follow our dreams but when loss occurs it brings back in mind wonderful times and great people.
Paul Moe lived in Seattle since College now Idaho
My sympathies to the family with all good memories of Don.
I had the honor of sitting next to Don in Boys Chorus in high school my senior year. Every day he would obviously pine for Julie, ” the piano girl” . Every day for months we would encourage him to talk to her and ask her out. ( I think Michael Schuck was my fellow encourager- not sure about that) . Every day he would say she’s too good for me or she’d never go our with me. Even more commonly he’d say nothing at all or maybe just get his little grin on his face, his love for her obvious. I can’t remember exactly how or when they got together. It may have even been just after we graduated. They were obviously a great partnership and I’m so glad his dream came through for 38 years. Not a lot of couples can say that. He was a steady force that will be missed sorely.
Julie and family. So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I never met him, however he sounded like he was terrific person. Our deepest sympathy Gary and Rachel Thompson
Don was a good person, that’s the best legacy.
Julie, I am so very sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He was such a true and pure soul. You defintely deserved each other. I will most defintely hold you, Allison and family in prayer during daily Mass. My heart hurts for you. May you feel God’s comfort.
I was so saddened & shocked to hear of Don’s passing this past week from ALS. I have such fond memories of my dear Shanley classmate and friend. Don was a handsome, humble gentleman with great integrity, a quick wit and a gentle manner. I was delighted when he got together with my dear life-long, childhood friend, Julie, and their marriage was a testament to what true love is all about. He and Julie were a beautiful couple, inside & out. They were the only people I know who actually got better looking with age! At every Shanley class reunion, we were all blown away when they would show up looking more youthful & fit than when we were teenagers.
My heart goes out to you Julie, Allison, and the Bolgrean and Klosterman families at this very sad time. May God hold you all in the Palm of His Hand today, and in the difficult days ahead.
Julie and family, so sad to learn of Don’s passing. Although as others have said we went our separate ways, I have such fond memories of our times at St. Anthony and Shanley. What beautiful well deserved tributes he is receiving, as he was a very kind and gentle man – a wonderful legacy he leaves. My sympathies to you Julie and your family.
Kevin McShane
Gene and Charm I am so sorry to hear about Don I didn’t know him well except from around Shanley and he was always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families Ang May your hearts and souls find peace and comfort.
Dear Julie, I am saddened to hear that Don passed away. What a great picture of a great guy taken too soon. It brings back to me many fond memories of our school years together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Julie, my prayers and condolences, as you and your family celebrate the wonderful life of a remarkable man. Don was a sweet and intelligent man with a big heart and sense of humor to match. God Bless you all…
I didn’t know Don particularly well but my sense is he was a gentleman- perhaps the highest form of compliment any man can be given.
Julie, Allison and Jared
Megan just shared Don’s passing with us. Although we have not connected since the John Ireland years, we have fond memories of parenting our daughters with you Julie & Don over those elementary and middle school years. We remember Don as a quiet yet wonderful presence who loved Allison deeply and was so proud to be her father. Our sympathies to you, Julie, Allison and Jared.
Julie and Family, Charm and Gene,
So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and will continue to be in the coming months. May you find comfort in knowing that so very many friends and family are with you in spirit and prayer. God bless you.
Dan
Julie, I was saddened by the news of Don’s passing. He was one of the first new acquaintances I had at Shanley since we played the same position on the football team. He was always fun to be around. It was great to see the two of you at our class reunions and reminisce about our high school days. Prayers for you and the rest of the Bolgrean and Klosterman families.
We are thinking of the family during this hard time. Don was a rockstar dad to Allison. Their bond was so special. Sending love to you guys
Dear Julie and Allison,
I was so sad to hear about Don’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your extended family. The video was such a beautiful tribute to a man who lived and loved so well. How blessed you were to have him in your lives. He may be gone from earth, but he will live in your hearts forever.
True love never dies!