Paul M. Bolman of Des Plaines for 40 years. A Memorial Celebration Service for Paul M. Bolman, 68, will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2001, 2 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Des Plaines, 766 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016. Born on October 22, 1932, in Du Quoin, IL, to the Reverend and Dr. Paul M. Bolman Sr. and Marjorie, nee Peterson, Bolman, he passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, February 17, 2001. Paul grew up in Champaign, IL, and later moved with his family to Oak Park, IL. He graduated from Oak Park/River Forest High School. He attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, where he majored in music education with a minor in English. He led the marching band as drum major for two years. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha, a professional music fraternity while at Drake and was named to the Who’s Who of College Students Directory. Paul graduated from Drake University on June 7, 1954, and married Denise Zimmerman, also a Drake music education graduate, on the same day. Paul enlisted in the Navy that same year. He played flute with the Navy band during the term of his service and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Waukegan, IL. While there, vocal talents afforded him and his colleagues an opportunity to perform on the Ed Sullivan show featuring armed services entertainers. After his tour of duty, he became a sixth grade elementary school teacher for two years in Waukegan, IL. In 1960 he became a band director at Lincoln Junior High in Park Ridge, IL. During the 25 years he taught there, he made the transition into teaching English and became head of the English Department. He was President of the Park Ridge Education Association. He also spent several summers earning his Master’s Degree from Northwestern University in music education in 1962. This is where he met John Paynter who was the Director of Bands at Northwestern. John recruited Paul to play with the Northshore Concert Band where he was section leader of the flutes for 37 years. He inspired all of his family and many others to appreciate the love and beauty of music. He taught in summer music camps at various locations including the University of Illinois. Further, he judged solo and ensemble contests and taught private lessons. He continued to share his music with others at church services, weddings and other occasions. He and Denise often performed together at the First Congregatioal Church of Des Plaines for a variety of occasions. In addition to music, another passion was reading and language. He had a very warm, open, engaging and friendly demeanor with a natural gift for relating stories and jokes. He was a very good friend, excellent teacher, talented musician, loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his many friends and family members. He is survived by his loving wife Denise; children, Cathy Legare, Caron (Scott) Gibbert, Scott (Beth) Bolman and Sue (George) Devereux; grandchildren Nicole and Ryan Legare, Wes and Samantha Gibbert, Derek, Matthew, Allison and Chad Bolman, Mary and Paul Devereux; stepmother Millie Bolman; aunt Elly Peterson; sister Beverly (Charles) Hunt; niece Kim (Bob) McKeighan, Charles (Kristi) Hunt and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marjorie. Memorials may be made to the Northshore Concert Band, 422 E. Oakwood Drive, Barrington, IL 60010, or to the First Congregational Church of Des Plaines Music Fund, 766 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016. Arrangements by Oehler Funeral Home, 847-824-5155.
