Oak Creek Council Honors Bolender in First Meeting Since His Death

It was a situation that at times seemed surreal that it was even happening.

But sadly, it was all too real for Oak Creek aldermen and other city officials, who on Tuesday began trying to move forward following Mayor Dick Bolender's unexpected death on Dec. 10.

"It's been a very difficult ten days around here," said City Attorney Larry Haskin, who spoke at Bolender's funeral last week. "I know the mood at last week was disbelief, a little bit of shock. But Dick would want us to continue on with the business of governing and unfortunately that's what we have to do."

With Bolender's family in attendance, aldermen addressed his passing and approved a resolution of condolence honoring his service to the city and his life. 

Council members shared their memories of Bolender and lauded his nine-year tenure as mayor, saying he led the city in an open and honest way.

"When I first came on the council, Dick really reached out and took me under his wing and made me feel welcomed," Alderman Dan Bukiewicz said. "It's a little nerve-wracking the first few times up here, like anything with a new position or new job. Dick took me aside and said, 'Speak your mind.'"

Alderman Michael Toman replaced Bolender on the Common Council after he was first elected mayor in 2003. Fighting back tears, Toman said Bolender was one of the people who supported his appointment to the council and he would be forever indebted to him.

"I owe Dick a special favor and I'll always remember that," Toman said.

Oak Creek Police Capt. Michael Bolender spoke on behalf of the family and thanked the council and residents for their support.

Noting that his father was an organ donor, he said that his donations have already helped people in need.

"I want to thank the citizens of Oak Creek for allowing my dad to do something that he loved, which was to serve the city of Oak Creek," he said. "My dad loved doing what he did. I know many people in this room didn't agree with him at times, and he didn't agree with many people in this room. But that's what made him, him. He was willing to listen and he was a fair, honest, good man."

He ended his remarks repeating a familiar phrase of his father's: "God bless you, God bless Oak Creek and God bless America."

Later in the meeting, the council appointed former Alderman Al Foeckler to serve the remainder of Bolender's term as Oak Creek mayor. .