Daniel J. Bolin
October 28, 1937 – June 14, 2025
Daniel (Dan) J. Bolin, age 87, of Oak Grove, Missouri, went to meet his lord and savior on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Dan was born October 28, 1937, in Effingham, Illinois to Russel Dan Bolin and Bette (Zimmerman) Bolin. He was born at his grandfather’s house, who was the town veterinarian. After graduating from Vandalia High School, Vandalia, IL, he attended Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Driver education in 1960. While attending college, he met the love of his life Karen Lee Honn of Charleston, Illinois and was united in marriage on June 3rd, 1958. They have shared 67 wedding anniversaries together!
He started his professional career in Watseka, IL, teaching driver education and coaching football in 1960. He loved working with young people developing their skills. In 1970, Dan moved his family to Charleston, IL, where he started teaching for Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in the Health and Safety Department preparing young people to become Driver Education and Health Education instructors. He was an active member of the Illinois High School and College Driver Education Association where he served as the Regional Director for many years and Past President in 1970-71. Later in his tenure at EIU, he was promoted to Director of Safety Programs where he brought into EIU federal and state grant funds to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities across the state of Illinois.
Dan was a proud Alumni of the University of Illinois where he earned a Master of Science degree in Health Education. He was a loyal supporter of the “Fighting Illini” in all sporting activities. He loved watching their games with his family!
After retirement in 1994, Dan and Karen moved to Effingham, Illinois where they lived on Lake Sara enjoying the lake and was an active member of the Country Club and community. In 2009 they moved to Oak Grove, Missouri to be closer to family (grandkids).
Dan had many hobbies. He loved to travel to other countries, enjoyed spending time in the Caribbean and later spent most of his time in Florida where he and Karen own a condo in St. Pete Beach. He was also an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish with his friends and family.
Dan loved his family passionately. His humor, generosity, and love for people is fondly remembered by those who had the privilege to love and know him. He was the patriarch of his family and we were blessed and honored to have him in our lives for so many years!
Dan is survived by his loving wife Karen; Two children: Roger Bolin, of Tuscon, AZ, and Randy (Carol) Bolin of Oak Grove, MO; Three grandchildren: Zachary Bolin of Venice, FL, Blake Bolin of Kansas City, MO, and Corey (Paige) Bolin of Bates City, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Bolin; and a grandson, Nicholas Bolin.
Dan was a special friend to many and will be missed beyond words by all of his family and friends who knew him.
A grave site service for family members will be held at a later date in Vandalia, Illinois at Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org
A story or comment to the family may be left at www.Royerfuneralhome.com
Arr: Royer Funeral Home 101 SE 15th Street, Oak Grove, MO 64075 816-690-4441