'A Perfect Tribute' Late Mayor Bolender Honored in Ceremony, Dedication

OAK CREEK, WI —Family and friends of the late Mayor Dick Bolender met for the dedication of Richard Bolender Plaza, to honor the man whose commitment to his family, his love of Oak Creek, his honesty and his ability to work with people on all sides of a particular issue earned him the status as beloved figure in Oak Creek.

According to information posted online by the City of Oak Creek, Mayor Bolender's daughter, Lisa, also spoke of her father's legacy, and how a dedicated gathering place was the perfect tribute to him.

Lisa and her brother Mike, a Captain on the Oak Creek Police Department, then unveiled the dedication plaque to Richard Bolender Plaza.

Many have remembered Bolender for his commitment to his family, his love of Oak Creek, his honesty and his ability to work with people on all sides of a particular issue.

Here is a sampling of thoughts and memories from official statements, postings on Patch and interviews conducted shortly after Bolender unexpectedly passed away back in 2011.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele:

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mayor Bolender. He opened the doors of City Hall to Oak Creek citizens through his ‘Meet the Mayor’ sessions, which symbolized his personal commitment to the city and its residents. A leader on development initiatives in Oak Creek, Dick Bolender’s legacy will grow as these projects come to fruition and improve the city for all of its residents."

Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke:

"He was a no-nonsense kind of guy, which I always appreciated. From a civic standpoint, he was unquestionably dedicated to the city of Oak Creek. It was his home, and he wanted it to be better, not just while in office, but long after he left. We worked closely together on things like looking at how we could share and cooperate to better serve all of our constituents. He got the 'big picture.'

"On a personal level, he was incredibly generous. He offered to help me figure out how to do some work on an old Pontiac I'm working on. He loved wrenching and painting old cars. He was really good at it. We were going to get together after he was out of office. I'm saddened that we'll never get to do that."

The city of Oak Creek :

"Dick was well liked and respected by all here at the city. The city of Oak Creek is a better community for his service as mayor. We know that Dick was looking forward to a true retirement, following his current term and we are saddened by the fact that he will not have the opportunity to enjoy time with his family, friends, and farm animals."

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, on his Twitter feed Sunday:

"So sorry to hear about passing of Oak Creek Mayor Richard Bolender. I worked with him for years. He was a good guy."

State Sen. Chris Larson:

"My first talk with him after the election as a good one. He had endorsed my opponent in the primary so there was a potential that we wouldn't get along but I never felt slighted by him. He was someone who was above the fray. He was a statesman.

"I have five cities in my district - four full cities and part of Milwaukee. Of the five mayors that I've worked with, Mayor Bolender was the one I worked with the most. I sat down to talk issues with him more than anybody. A year ago I couldn't have predicted that, but he was the easiest to approach, somebody who would get coffee at the drop of a hat if you wanted to talk about issues of development or what was going to be going on with the project, what's going on with Oak Creek schools, whatever it was ... we acknowledged there was a difference between us (politically) but it was never an issue."

South Suburban Chamber Executive Director Barbara Wesener:

"His commitment and love for the city of Oak Creek was only surpassed by his deep devotion and love for his wife, Christine, and his family."

Oak Creek Ald. Steve Scaffidi:

"He was a resident who cared enough about the city to put his name out there and run for mayor and do what sometimes is a difficult job."

Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik:

"He was an extremely pragmatic man. He represented the community first and foremost. He did things in the interest of his community and I think that's why he was such a good leader.

"He just totally loved his family. He wasn’t afraid to say that he loved his family and that he loved his wife.

"He was truly a (University of Wisconsin-) Whitewater fan. He played on the football team in college ... and Bolender would wear his Whitewater football jacket around. To show how loyal a person he was, he supported that team his entire life."

Oak Creek-Franklin School Board President Frank Carini:

"Dick was a guy who never said 'no.' He was always open to talking about whatever issues I had. He was really a model for what all public officials should be.

"Dick was a great community leader, mayor and a friend. He would do anything for anyone. He will be missed."

Christine Lewandowski:

"I worked with Dick in the insurance industry in the early 90's. He banned me from reminding him that he had been with the company longer than I had been alive. He helped me move, pin-striped my car and was always on the lookout for a decent man for me to date. I loved that he referred to Chris as his "beautiful bride" whenever he spoke of her."

Oak Creek Alderman Ken Gehl:

"He was a man who what you saw was what you got. Very strong morals and strong convictions. He was willing to sacrifice and give his time to the city for the betterment of the whole populace."

image via City of Oak Creek