Jack Bolt

Jack Calvin Bolt, age 88, of Rockford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a history and geography teacher at Rockford Public Schools from 1962-1990. Students may remember his “nuggets of knowledge”. During the summers Jack continued as a driver’s education instructor and worked at Rockford Hardware. Jack’s interest in history led him to volunteer with the Rockford Area Historical Society. He was instrumental in fundraising for the current Rockford Area Museum. He also researched and documented family genealogy. He especially liked maps and reading biographies and historical accounts. He spent much of his time in his garden and feeding birds. Jack and Madge traveled throughout the United States and abroad. Above all, his love and commitment to his family was evident to all who knew him. Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Engels; and his parents, John Bolt and Christine Bolt-Holwerda. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 69 years, Madelyn “Madge” (Bouwer) Bolt; children, Jillaine and Rick Ericksen, Polly Bolt, Andrew and Kelly Bolt, Katherine and Tim Woodburne; grandchildren, Leanne, Rachael, Jonathan, Samantha, Lydia, Spencer, Grace, Gavin, Joslyn; seven great-grandchildren, Adrienne, Jameson, Caleb, Sawyer, June, Joey, Calvin and an eighth on the way; brother, Harold and Jan Bolt. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Friday, December 1 from 1-2 p.m. at the MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. The burial will take place at Rockford Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rockford Area Historical Society (Rockford, Michigan).