Stephen Bolin

On the perfect early fall Sunday afternoon of September 10, 2023, with the sun touching his face, sweet dog Tag on his lap, and family by his side, Stephen Mark Bolin, 74, of Holland, Michigan, fell asleep to be with his Lord Jesus. He was welcomed into this world by his loving parents, the late Axel and Maude (Prester) Bolin, on February 18, 1949, in Oak Park, Illinois. Stephen graduated from Santa Fe High School with the class of 1966. He studied at the University of New Mexico and The Way College of Emporia Kansas, earning science and biblical studies associates. On June 14, 1997, Stephen married Martha Lynn Cronin in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They moved to Holland, Michigan, in 1998, where Stephen owned and operated Signs Now. He later sold that business and remained employed in the sign industry until bvFTD (behavioral variant of frontal temporal dementia) forced him to retire. Stephen had a true heart for God, the heart of a pastor, so much love for his family and devotion to his friends. He was thrilled to become the stepfather of his two daughters, Rande and Alley, whom he loved and valued as if they were his own, and later to become the father of his son Teddy. He loved capturing people's faces on camera as they were in their true candid moments. He was a health food nut long before it was fashionable, rode his bicycle until he no longer could, and absorbed book after book on how to be a stronger follower of God and an upbeat, successful human. bvFTD brain changes played havoc with his true personality, yet many attributes remained loyal. His ability to read and write remained,as did his talent for playing his guitar and singing along, as well as repeatedly telling Martha that he loved her about every seven minutes. He interjected many family and friend conversations with random guitar solos. Before his changes happened, he was always supportive of new adventures, new people and new ways of looking at things. He encouraged his children to live their dreams and stepped up in the building of Martha's dog grooming business. He was easy to talk to, a kind employer, and always told you not to worry that it would all work out. He will be missed by so many, including his wife of 26 years, Martha; daughters, Rande and Alley; son, Teddy; son-in-laws, Chris and Seth; three sisters, two brothers, two grandsons, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunt, cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and that Cat and the Cresteds. He genuinely loved each and every one of you. I want to give special thanks to oh so many people who helped us over these past two years. His sister, Claudia and brother-in-law, Harold generously gave of their abundance in more than just a financial way. Jen (you rocked my world!), Amber, Shauna, and Betsy at LifeCircles, the bus drivers at Pioneer, the amazing, loving staff at Evergreen Commons Day center (you are a God send), the hardworking CNAs at Cedar in Resthaven, especially Kinyata, Angela, Marie, Alexis, and all the aids that said "yes" to our unorthodox requests, and the coordinating staff, Jill, Eric, Alishia at the legacy building, you are amazing humans. I could NOT have done it without you! Please go to www.MichiganCremation.com and sign the guest book, share your memories of Stephen, and extend your sympathies. The family would love to hear from you. Plans for a memorial will be coming at a later date. His earthly body is gone from us, yet his spirit remains. I believe God said to him, "It's ok. Everything will work out. Good job, my son." Thank you for giving God your 74 years, Dad. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Bolin, please visit our flower store.