Brenda Bollen

Brenda Darlene Bollen (Van Camp) was born May 15, 1945 to Reo and Cleona (Miller) Van Camp in Addison, MI. Faith was very important throughout Brenda’s life, and this began with her baptism at Jerome United Methodist Church and continued on to her confirmation there as well. Brenda graduated from North Adams High School in 1963 and eventually found herself the head of the alumni association. On February 20, 1965, sometime after a rocky first date at the Hillsdale County Fair, Brenda married Charles Bollen at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hudson, MI. After their marriage, the Bollens lived in Jerome, MI where Brenda provided Daycare services while also tending to the needs of their own two children, Kevin and Kristina; they also spent time living in Charlotte, MI.  During this time she had her own cleaning business which she ran for ten years.  Not only did she clean for some of these families she would also make meals for some too.  Another love of hers was sending cards to friends, church members and visiting anyone who might feel forgotten.

Using her voice as a medium for praise, Brenda could be found singing in church choirs and ministering to the spiritual needs of others as part of the care team in her church. In 1991, Brenda and Charles moved to Alexandria, MN where Brenda continued to provide daycare. Her family was the light of her life, and Brenda spent a lifetime creating memories for her family to look back on. Whether it was camping, garage sale hunting, riding bikes, going to movies, or traveling, Brenda took an active role in family life. As parting words to her family, “Eat healthy. Take care of yourself. Live life to the fullest.”

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Dennis Van Camp.

She is survived by loving husband of 53 years, Chuck; children Kevin (Debbie) and Kristina; grandchildren: Kelly (Steve) Kolody, Tom (Jamie) Holland; great grandma’s card maker and pride & joy, Gracie Kolody brothers: Rick (Karen) Van Camp of Jackson, MI, Bob Van Camp of Hillsdale, MI; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Brenda’s faith and devotion to her savior were fulfilled on Monday, September 3, 2018 surrounded by family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 10, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Alexandria. Interment to follow at Aldrich Cemetery in Summerset, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of Douglas County, Lowell & Ruth Gess UMC Eye Hospital and the United Methodist Church in Alexandria.