Bolte, John Dietrich

Mr. John Dietrich Bolte, Sr. of Blacksburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 3, 2007. Mr. Bolte was born January 16, 1933 in DeWitt, Virginia to the late Ernest F. Bolte and the late Viola C. Bolte.

Mr. Bolte is survived by his wife Jewell; his son Keith, daughter-in-law Paula, and grandson Taylor of Blacksburg; son John, daughter-in-law Virginia, and grandchildren John, Nora, William, and Julia of Craig County. He is also survived by sisters Joyce Peters and Barbara Bolte of Petersburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bolte graduated from Petersburg High School and was a Master Mason of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Virginia, Blandford Lodge No. 3, The Appomattox Commandery No. 6 Knights Templar and the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons in Virginia.

Mr. Bolte served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as a member of the 7830 Signal Service Corps. Upon discharge from the military Mr. Bolte followed in the footsteps of his father, joining the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company. Mr. Bolte retired from Bell Atlantic in 1991 as Construction and Engineering Manager.

In 1971 Mr. Bolte moved his family to Blacksburg, Virginia and became a loyal and enthusiastic fan of the Virginia Tech Hokies. No matter the score or the weather conditions, Mr. Bolte, a long-time season ticket holder and Hokie Club member, stood proudly in his orange and maroon until the final out, the last basket and the final tick of the clock.

Mr. Bolte’s retirement years were filled with his zest for living, building, and creating. His craftsmanship is evident in many projects he designed and built himself such as a floating boat dock, a lake cabin, several decks and porches, and furniture.

To his grandchildren he was Bebaw, the man who could build anything and fix anything. He showed them the wonders of catching fish and flying kites. He was an inspiring father, a loving husband, and a caring neighbor.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McCoy Funeral Home on Country Club Drive in Blacksburg. A memorial service will be held at McCoy Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 6, 1007 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Tommy Barnes officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department, 2700 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Va. 24060.

Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home Blacksburg.