Eileen Carol Bolhouse
Eileen Carol Bolhouse, age 88, passed away peacefully in her home on March 17, 2025, in Olivet, South Dakota.
Eileen Carol Patterson was born April 24, 1936, in Sioux City, Ia, the daughter of Charlie and Marie (Anderson) Patterson. She received Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young girl at a Bible camp nearFremont, NE. Graduating from Storm Lake High School in 1954, she went on to college at St. Paul Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN (now Crown College) to pursue a degree in Missions. There she met David Bolhouse, the love of her life, and they were united in marriage on Valentine’s Day in 1959. They moved to Watertown, SD where they lived and raised their family until 1977 when they moved to Sioux Falls.
Eileen loved being active in her churches by using the gifts God had given her. She was well known in evangelical circles as an accomplished pianist, organist, choir director, and Christmas program director. She also taught Sunday School, VBS, led on missions and music committees, and participated in Bible Studies. She was a leader in Christian Women’s Club, joined the Sweet Adelines, and attended Monday Music Club in the community. She taught piano and organ to scores of students over 50 years; many of whom went on to play for a lifetime. Her long-held dream of going to Quito, Ecuador, was realized when she went on a mission trip with her church when she was in her early sixties.
She cherished being a wife, mother, and grandma. She passed on her love for Jesus, ministry, and music to her loved ones. She never missed a concert her husband or kids were in, and she got the family to play and sing together. Later in life, she paid for her grandchildren to attend Midwest Bible Camp in Watertown where she was the pianist. As they grew, they began to play together and lead worship at the camp. Her loyalty to the Okoboji Bible Conference was obvious as
she hardly missed a summer in 70+ years, setting the example that much of her family now follows. She enjoyed going on road trips to visit her kids and grandkids who lived several states away. Her prayers and love for each one will be greatly missed until they see her again in heaven.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Marie Patterson; brother Paul Patterson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Janice Patterson, Don Burns, Verna and Ezra Griepp, Mavis and Glen Isack, Dan Bolhouse, Dean Bolhouse.
Eileen is survived by her loving family: husband David of 66 years; children Cynthia (Roger) Eng of Norwood Young America, MN, Shari Hamilton (Matt Winne) of Olivet, SD, Joan (Doug) Wagner of Andover, MN, Steven (Patty) Bolhouse of Yankton, Timothy Bolhouse of Sioux Falls; grandchildren Richard (Ashley) Eng, Reginald Eng, Kai Rose Eng, Jacob (Chelsea) Hamilton, Ellie (Chris) Hamilton Crossman, Matthew (Melissa) Christopherson, Jordan (Anna) Christopherson, Seth (Ashley) Christopherson, Lindsay Christopherson, Tonya Wagner, Oliver Bolhouse, Zachary Bolhouse; great-grandchildren Ella, Athan, Adelynn Eng, and Brynn, Avery, Charis, Bruce Christopherson; brother Clifton (Sheila) Patterson of Sacramento, CA; sister Karen Burns of Fremont, NE; sisters-in-law Ruth Bolhouse of Woodbury, MN, Lana Bolhouse of Oklahoma City, OK; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Okoboji Bible Conference.
Friends and family may sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of West River Funeral Directors in Rapid City, SD.
