Clarence Bolken, 88, a former Alexander resident, died Sunday evening Aug. 30, 2009 at the Waterford, Bismarck, where he and his wife, Doris have been living as of late. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran church, Alexander. The Rev. Tim Swenson officiated and interment with military rites was at the Alexander Cemetery. Friends may share their condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.

Clarence was born on Aug. 4, 1921 in Alexander, the son of Carl and Gurina (Holkestad) Bolken. He was raised and educated in Timber Creek Township, McKenzie County. Clarence’s father died when Clarence was very young, so he helped on the family farm for several years. He later worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps for several years, before entering the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II. Clarence served with 19th Infantry in New Guinea and the south Philippines. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Technical Sergeant in 1946. When he came back from the war, Clarence joined the Plumber’s and Pipefitter’s Union and worked out of Williston.

On June 5, 1949, Clarence was united in marriage to Grace Anderson in Williston. They lived in Williston until moving to Hazen in 1964. While in Hazen, Clarence worked on the power plants as a plumber and pipefitter. Grace died in 1994. On March 21, 2002, Clarence married Doris Shape in Yuma, Ariz., and lived there until 2005, when they moved to Bismarck.

Clarence, known to his family and friends by “Uncle Swede” and “Uncle Bet” enjoyed traveling. Clarence and Grace spent many years wintering in Yuma, Ariz., returning in the spring to Hazen and the summer to Alexander.

Clarence had bought a quarter of land near Alexander and he farmed as a hobby, built a dam and a homestead. He was very proud of being from Alexander and enjoyed coming back for the Old Settlers days and in 2003 he was honored at the event. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alexander.

Clarence is survived by his wife Doris, Bismarck; one step-daughter, Janice Borlaug, Hazen; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, one great-great-great niece and one great-great-great nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Grace and eight siblings, Mildred Heggen, Alice Foreng, Francis Bolken, Gladys Fisher, Hilmer Bolken, Cecil Bolken and twins Elinor and Einar Bolken.