Roger Clayton Bolin
May 11, 1954 ~ January 1, 2026
Born in:
Princeton, IL
Resided in:
Buda, IL
Roger Clayton Bolin, 71, of Buda, IL passed away on January 1st, 2026 at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Roger was born on May 11, 1954 in Princeton, IL the son of Emery “Bill” and Donna (Hurst) Bolin. He was graduate of Manlius High School, class of 1972. Roger went on to receive his undergraduate at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL and then graduated from Southern Methodist University in Texas with his Doctorate of Jurisprudence. He was an attorney at Boyle and Bolin Law Firm in Hennepin for 46 years, eventually coming to own the firm; along with serving Putnam County as the Public Defender for 35 years. Roger married Denise (Moore) Marquis at Bunker Hill Church in Buda on August 13, 1998.
He found joy in the simple things he loved most. A dedicated patriot, he had a deep appreciation for American history and the law, and took great pride in practicing law throughout his life. He could often be found settling in with a good book about the Civil War or Abraham Lincoln. Roger was an avid sports fan and when not reading could be found watching a wide variety of sports. He was particularly enamored with Bureau Valley and Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Conference sporting events, where he dedicated his time supporting and celebrating his children and grandchildren’s athletic endeavors. Later in life he developed a special love for horses and dogs finding both peace and purpose in their care. He was also a faithful member of Bunker Hill Church in Buda, Illinois, where his faith guided his life and values. Nothing, however, meant more to him than time spent with his children and grandchildren. He took pride in being present for them, sharing stories, laughter, and lessons that will live on in their hearts.
Roger is survived by his wife, Denise of Buda; four children, Matthew (Shannon) Bolin of Hortonville, WI, Nikki (Raj) Khant of Madison, WI, Dustin (Greg Stemm) Marquis of Peoria and Jason (Stephanie) Marquis of Princeton; 11 grandchildren, Atlas Khant, Elijah Khant, Lila Khant, Amelia Khant, Madyson Bolin, Ryan Bolin, Dylan Boozer, Marina Boozer, Marissa Marquis, Calvin Marquis and Tessa Marquis; three brothers, Ken (Peggy) Bolin, Ray (Linette) Bolin and Keith (Barb) Bolin all of Manlius; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Kaedyn Bolin, and infant sister Debra.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Bunker Hill Church in Buda, IL. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Bunker Hill Church with Pastor Chantha Chhim officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Sheffield Cemetery in Sheffield, IL.
Memorials may be made to The Green Beret Foundation https://greenberetfoundation.org/donate, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate Clinic in Peoria, IL, or Bunker Hill Church in Buda, IL.
Services
Visitation: Friday, January 9, 2026 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Bunker Hill Church
322 School Street
Buda , IL 61314
309-895-3106
https://www.bunkerhill.church
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 10, 2026 11:00 am
Bunker Hill Church
322 School Street
Buda , IL 61314
309-895-3106
https://www.bunkerhill.church
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Roger Clayton Bolin 's name.
Bunker Hill Church
322 School Street
Buda ,
IL
61314
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate Clinic
530 NE Glen Oak Ave
Peoria ,
IL
61637





This is a sad time for those he left behind, but what a ton of memories and wisdom he left with everyone.
I was fortunate to have been able to get Roger to agree to co-counsel a handful of cases with me after watching him practice. We became fast friends and I admired him. The sharpness and wit he displayed everyday was awesome to watch.
His wit was only surpassed by his absolute love of his family. Every time I met with him he would share a new photo of a grandkid or a story and often a picture of his beautiful wife and their joint endeavors (a new kitchen, horse, or activity that DENISE had come up with for the grandkids).
His pride and love for those he called family was immense.
I wish he would have stayed longer but I’m glad he is with the lord.
Denise and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
Roger and his warm and magnetic smile will be so sadly missed, not just by us, but by the local bar association, all who knew him and all that he served. With him being now blessed and at peace with the Lord, we hope the memories he created here on earth give eventual peace to his family and all who knew him. God bless!
I had the challenging pleasure of trying cases with Roger on the other side. Not only was he always well prepared, but very imaginative and novel in his approach. He inspired me. I shall miss his wit and warm smile. The Bar Association has lost one of its best.
So sorry for the loss of your brother, Ray. Our family sends condolences to you and your extended family. Losing a brother is always difficult. We will keep you in our prayers.