Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender dies

OAK CREEK -- A suspected heart attack took the life of Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender at his home Saturday. Mayor Bolender was 68.

Bolender was in his third term as Oak Creek's mayor, and recently announced he would retire in April, after nine years as mayor. Bolender served on the Oak Creek Common Council prior to becoming mayor.

Alderman Tom Michalski spoke with Bolender just hours before his death. Michalski calls Bolender a city leader who would cooperate. Michalski says Bolender took pride in his service in the U.S. Air Force, and above all, enjoyed being a farmer. Michalski says Bolender applied principals of farming to government, including the idea of doing the best with what you've got.

With her son and daughter at her side Sunday, Bolender's wife, Christeen says she was excited for her husband's last term as mayor, and is proud of all that Bolender accomplished for the community. "He was my best friend, the love of my life. I was so proud of him when he said he wanted to do more for the city. He's watching over us, and he'll take care of us like he always did," Christeen said.

In his nine years as Oak Creek's mayor, Bolender never raised taxes in Oak Creek.

Oak Creek Common Council President Steve Scaffidi is set to be installed as acting Oak Creek mayor on Monday.

For more details: Oak Creek Patch