Edward John Bolka

Edward John Bolka, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful friend, Ed made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Ed was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 27, 1931, to Edward and Lillian. It was there he met Catherine, his loving wife of 65 years. In 1958, Ed moved to Oklahoma, where he and Kay raised their family of five and Ed built a long and successful career as an accountant.

The life of the party, Ed made every moment memorable. ‘The world’s greatest Cubs fan’, he spent decades loudly cheering and cursing through every game, celebrating the 2016 World Series like he’d personally coached the team. Equally steadfast, was his devotion to his Catholic faith, which was at the center of his life. An avid bird hunter, Ed loved the outdoors. He had a passion for food and made a mean batch of pancakes. But what Ed loved most was people. He understood the true value of friendship and family and made it a priority to show up for those he loved. If you asked Ed to sum up his life, he and his favorite singer would probably agree: “I did it my way.”

Ed will be remembered by his family: daughter, Debra Bolka, of Oklahoma City; son, Michael Bolka & wife Lori, of Edmond; son, Richard Bolka & wife Johna, of Dallas, TX; daughter, Susie Rischard & husband Denis, of Oklahoma City. He will also be greatly missed by his 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family. He will be welcomed in death by his wife Catherine, youngest daughter Patricia, his parents; granddaughters, Katie Bolka and Lucy Rischard; sister, Lois McCabe; brother-in-law, Jack McCabe.

An Evening Prayer Service will be held at the Smith & Kernke North May Funeral Home at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 15th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mercy Foundation and to St. Eugene Catholic Church in Ed’s honor.