Russell Bolt

Russell “Russ” Allen Bolt, 92, of Charlevoix, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022.  He was born on February 28, 1929 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Elmer and Hilda (Meyers) Bolt. 

Russ graduated from John Marshall High School in Cleveland, and went to attend the Cleveland Institute of Art.  His schooling was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.  Upon returning to the institute, he met Susan Collier, his partner in love and art, the two wed on November 25, 1954, in Cleveland.

Russ worked as an auto designer for GM at the Tech Center in Warren for 25 years, where safety was one of his crusades. He and Sue moved their family to Charlevoix in 1974 and opened Bolt Designs which remains in business to this day.  Russ was an extremely gifted artist and designer, doing free-lance advertising, as well as specializing in watercolor painting, and ceramics.  He enjoyed sharing his love for art by teaching classes in watercolor. His work was represented in many one man shows Nationally and internationally. Russ was an active member of the Marine Corps League and organized many events for Toys for Tots throughout the years.  He enjoyed spending time at his son’s farm in Atwood, and he loved his grandchildren more than anything else.

Russ is survived by his loving wife, Susan Bolt; three children, Lori Bolt (Frank Hasseld) of East Jordan, Russell Jr. (Cindy) Bolt of Atwood, and Robert Bolt of Charlevoix; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth Hasseld of Edinburgh, Scotland, William Hasseld of Boyne City, Rusty Bolt of Petoskey, and Marguerite Bolt of Lafayette, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Don Bolt and Kenny Bolt.

A celebration of Russ’ life will be held this summer.  Details will be added to his obituary on the Mortensen Funeral Homes website once they are available.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by checks made payable to Charlevoix Community Foundation, with “Russ Bolt” on the memo line. This will support the Arts and Culture Fund.  Mail To: C3F-Arts and Culture Fund P.O. Box 718, East Jordan, MI 49727

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com