Gloria Mae Bolm

Gloria Mae Bolm, 72, of Franksville, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2009. She was born on October 28, 1937, in Lodi, Wisconsin, the daughter of Bernice and Gerald Walstad. Gloria lived and attended schools in Menomonie, WI, and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she met her husband Jim Bolm.

Jim and Gloria were married in 1959 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI. She taught at Libertyville H.S. in Libertyville, IL. They moved to Racine in 1966 where they established a life filled with family, friendship and community involvement.

Gloria committed herself to many civic, social, cultural and spiritual organizations in the Racine area. She was very active in the Racine Junior League, and served as its President. As part of her commitment to the Junior League, Gloria served on the Monument Square Art Fair Board and as Chairman and Restoration Director of the Racine Blake House. She was deeply involved in Big Sisters of Greater Racine, volunteering as a “Big Sister” for six years and serving as Director. Gloria received the honor of becoming the first woman ever elected to the Racine Zoological Society Board of Directors.

Additionally, Gloria served on the Board of Directors for the Taylor Home, United Way, Wustum Museum and the Racine Community Foundation. In recognition for her dedicated service to these organizations, Gloria was named “Woman of the Year” by the Women’s Civic Council in 1981.

Gloria was a beautiful, talented and intelligent woman who had a special eye for antiques and decorating. She used those attributes to good effect, jointly operating the Schoolhouse Shoppes, a home accessories and gift store established in partnership with four other women. Gloria loved to entertain, travel and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She especially loved being at her second home in Beaver Creek, Colorado, skiing and hiking with her family and friends. Her life was filled with special people and she was loved by many.

Gloria is survived by her husband Jim; daughters, Nancy (Jerome Joseph) Veranth of Franksville, WI, and Sarah Bolm, of Chicago, IL. She was known as ‘Amie’ to her grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, Owen and Natalie, and her granddog Piper. In addition, she leaves behind many loving relatives and countless friends.

Visitations will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009, from 4 to p.m., and Tuesday, November 3, from 10:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m., at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 2000 W. 6th St., Racine. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Communion Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, Gloria wished donations to be made to Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Gloria Bolm Memorial, 2000 W. 6th Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53405 and Racine Community Foundation, Bolm Fund, 245 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403.

The family also wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Oncology Alliance and Wheaton Franciscan Hospital for their compassionate care.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine 262 632-4479