Larry Jerome Bolles

Larry J. Bolles 87, of Grand Island ended his life’s journey on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Grand Island VA Medical Center. Funeral service will be at 10:30AM on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Burial will follow at the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5-7PM at the funeral home. Wearing Husker red is encouraged.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Larry’s life’s journey began on May 20, 1938, in Grand Island to parents Francis and Alice (Ooley) Bolles. Larry and his brother were one of three sets of twins among ten children. Francis and Alice raised their children on the family farm in rural Wood River. Larry’s elementary education was completed at school District #76 in Hall County, and he graduated from Wood River High School in 1956. On February 27, 1957, he entered the United States Navy and served on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. He later was stationed in Africa for 2 ½ years.

On September 8, 1960, he married Deanna Steinwart in Oceana, VA. After four years of active duty, he was honorably discharged from the United States Navy and the couple moved to Scotia where he worked for the local grain elevator mixing fed. They later moved to Grand Island where he was a foreman at New Moon assembling mobile homes. Upon leaving New Moon, he was employed by Jerry’s Sheet Metal for many years before starting his own business, Bolles Heating and Air.

Larry and Deanna raised six children and enjoyed family vacations, camping, fishing, and all things sports. He was an avid Husker fan and a 60 year season ticket holder for Husker Football. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. Larry loved sports and coached Little League and varsity baseball teams. He also enjoyed his golf leagues and bowling teams. Larry’s greatest joy was attending and following his children and grandchildren’s sports events as well as other activities throughout their high school and college years.

Deanna passed away on March 8, 2000.

He later met Janie Penning and they enjoyed traveling, Husker football games and attending their grandchildren’s activities. Larry will always be remembered for his love of family, hard work ethic, and sense of humor. When leaving a family gathering, he would say, “For those who want to, it’s time to say, good night, Larry.” All would respond, “Good night, Larry!”

Those left to cherish his memory are partner Janie Penning of Grand Island; three daughters: Denise (Dan) Zabka of Grand Island, Shannon (Scott) Scheierman of Aurora, and Tara Bolles (Erich Buer) of Grants Pass, OR; two sons: Lanny (Lana) Bolles of Lincoln and Jamie (April) Bolles of Chandler, AZ; daughter-in-law, Stacy Bolles of Grand Island; nineteen grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. His brothers: twin Garry Bolles, of Grand Island, Robert (Barbara) Bolles of Kansas City, MO, Dwight Bolles of Grand Island; sister, Linda Lauritson of Dannebrog; and sister-in-law, Norma Bolles of Grand Island. Friends: Lee (Julie) Schuppan and Amber Schuppan (Al Avery); along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Deanna; son, Greggory Bolles; brothers: Louis, Douglas, and Willard Bolles; twin siters: Nina Woodruff and Nita Ruzicka; sisters-in-law: Ruth, Sandy, Pauline, and Norma Bolles; brothers-in-law: Robert Woodruff, Kenny Lauritsen, and Gordon Ruzicka.