A retirement party has been scheduled for Oakland County 52-4 District Court Judge William E. Bolle (Troy, Clawson) which will be hosted at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Concorde Inn, Forestre Banquet Center, 1919 Star-Batt Drive (Crooks and M-59) in Rochester Hills.
Bolle will be leaving the bench December 31st. He is currently the longest-seated judge in Oakland County and the third-longest seated judge in Michigan.
Bolle began his judicial career when successfully being elected to an open seat on the Troy Municipal Court in 1969. He served as Troy’s municipal judge until 1978 when the Legislature converted the Municipal Court to the 52-4 District Court. He was appointed along with Judge Bristol Hunter of Clawson and Judge James Hand of Troy.
Bolle has been elected to six terms on the court and has been chief judge of the 52nd District Court for approximately six years.
Prior to serving as judge, he attended the University of Michigan receiving a BBA in 1960 and he received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1963. While in law school, Bolle played hockey for the Madison Cardinals, a semi-pro team, which was Wisconsin’s State Champion in the 1961-62 season. After returning to Michigan in 1963, Bolle worked in the Trust Department at what was then Manufacturer’s National Bank of Detroit.
Bolle is noted for his straightforward manner in court, but he also has a keen interest in sports and a passion for music. He studied classical piano for four years beginning at age eight. Later, while at Birmingham High School, he began playing bass, having been taught by his father who was a professional bassist. Bolle continues to play with various bands in the area. In 2010, he and his wife, Sally, also a musician, formed the Greater Detroit Jazz Society, a jazz organization that promotes musical events and sponsors various concert series in the metropolitan Detroit area.
Bolle and his wife are also avid gardeners and animal lovers. The Bolles have several rescued cats and dogs, and Judge Bolle continues to be a supporter of various Veteran’s associations.
Bolle has stated that he “has been very blessed to have a fabulous staff over his career.” He added, “I have had many fine law clerks, most of whom stay in touch.” Bolle gives kudos to his current court administrator, Jill Palulian, and the many fine employees of the court. He pointed out that the values his friendship and association with former 52-4 District Court Judge Dennis Drury.
On a somber note, Bolle has dedicated his retirement party to the memory of Jan Aird, his best friend and court reporter for thirty-six years who recently passed away, almost making it to the retirement party.
Tickets to the retirement party are $75 per person. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, and a lot of jazzy music. Bolle mandated that any excess proceeds from the event will be donated to Leader Dogs for the Blind, All About Animals, and the Michigan Animal Rescue League. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Albert Holtz at 248 593-5000 or email aholtz@lipsonneilson.com.
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