Eileen Bolland

Eileen Marie (Kelly) Bolland

1 Timothy 4:12
Set an example...in speech, in life, in love...

The beautiful soul of Eileen Marie (Kelly) Bolland left us to be with her Lord on July 16, 2017, at 94 years of age. Her life was dedicated to the service of others and many were blessed by her care, generosity and presence in their lives.

Eileen was born on October 26, 1922 to John and Louise (Spies) Kelly in Boonton, New Jersey. She grew up in Allendale, New Jersey with her younger brothers, John Jr. and Thomas, and sister, Ruthanne, surrounded by an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. After losing her mother at sixteen and her father soon after, Eileen took over the responsibility of helping to raise her younger siblings. She was a student leader in high school, involved in many social activities, a state champion in oratory and debate, one of the first girl scouts to ever earn the rank of Eagle Scout, editor of the school newspaper and valedictorian of her class.

After graduating Eileen worked as a young professional for a law office and then an editing company in New York City. During WWII she was a member of the exclusive English Speaking Union Society, attending social functions and formal dances with British and American officers. There she met Lt Col Gerhard L. (Jerry) Bolland and they married in 1946. Together they raised six children while living in numerous states as well as Japan during his military career. The family moved to Stoughton in 1960. She was predeceased by her brother, John, in 1994 and by her husband in 1999.

Eileen led a full, active and rewarding life. Being charismatic and social she made friends everywhere and often. She worked for the Stoughton Area School District as a secretary in both Yahara and Kegonsa Elementary schools. Later she moved her career to the University of Wisconsin Medical School and then the Department of Economics as the Administrative Department Head. There she worked closely with the faculty and the chancellor's office and counseled hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students. Foreign exchange students were often invited to join her family for holidays and celebrations. Eileen delayed her retirement until age 71 because she loved helping students achieve their educational goals.

Education was always important to her. Eileen was not able to attend college after high school due to family finances. After raising her children, putting them through college and while still working full time, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in French and history, graduating with honors from the University of Wisconsin at the age of 67.

Eileen also loved gardening and travel. Passersby often stopped to chat with her and admire her flower gardens. After retiring she traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.

Eileen had a deep and unwavering faith. She was an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Stoughton where she served on the parish council, numerous building committees, taught Bible study and religious education classes, and participated in extensive charitable works. She also tutored and mentored students at St. Ann School.

Eileen is survived by her six children, Eric (Alexa) Bolland, Judith Schumann, Anita (Gary) Galow, Andrew Bolland, Matthew (Nancy) Bolland, and Eileen Barry (Steven Novacheck); seventeen grandchildren, Whitney (Lucy) Bolland, Anna (Noah) Zandan, Polly Bolland and fiancé Bobby Price, Nicole (David) Freedman, John (Vanessa) Laver, and Kelsey Laver, Bradley (Sharon) Schumann, Katherine (Thomas) Wise, Kristen Galow, Bryan Bolland, Daniel Bolland, Paul Bolland, Carolyn Barry (Matthew Hamacher), Benjamin Barry, Brooke Novacheck, Blythe Novacheck, and Andrew (Mandy) Novacheck; twelve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, John, Sawyer, Jacob, Joaquin, Keelyn, Connor, Tyler, Ryan, Thor, Maverick, and Leila.


The family wishes to express their gratitude to the medical and care staff at Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation Home where Eileen was happy, active and well cared for. A special thank you to Rev. Msgr. Gerard Healy for his personal friendship and spiritual guidance.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Gerard Healy and Fr. Randy Budnar on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon and fellowship. St. Ann Catholic Church 323 North Van Buren St., Stoughton. A private burial service for immediate family will follow the luncheon.

Visitations will be held on Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Cress Funeral Home 206 W Prospect, Stoughton, and at the church one hour before mass on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting donations to Nana's House ( www.nanashousenepal.com ) a tax exempt, non-profit providing orphan and social services in the impoverished nation of Nepal, Gideons International (www2.gideons.org) for Bible placements throughout the world or to the charity of your choice.