Martha Lois Bolz

Martha Lois Krueger Bolz, age 94, passed away on June 25, 2026, at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

Martha was born on April 14, 1932, in Eureka, Kansas, the daughter of Harry B. and Myrtle Irene Burke Krueger. She married Elmer J. Bolz on July 30, 1983.

Martha and Elmer found contentment in a simple life centered on their shared faith. Their greatest happiness was not found in grand adventures but in the love they shared, the home they built, and the relationships they nurtured. Both she and Elmer were deeply devoted to their Catholic faith and church and found comfort in attending daily Mass together. After Elmer’s passing, Martha continued this cherished faith routine for as long as her health permitted.

Martha devoted many years of service to Emporia State University as a member of the staff in the Office of the President. She took great pride in her work and especially treasured the friendships she formed with faculty, staff, and students.

Whether celebrating life’s blessings or facing its hardships, Martha was known for her quiet grace, gentle strength, and warm sense of humor. She met life’s challenges with dignity and found joy in sharing laughter with family and friends. Martha was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Myrtle Krueger; her daughter, Karen DeVivo; her husband, Elmer J. Bolz; and her sister-in-law, Victoria Krueger.

She is survived by her daughter, Janice (Paul) Hermes, Raymore, Missouri; granddaughter, Elizabeth Hermes; grandsons, Alexander (Elise) Hermes, Gabriel (Abby) Hermes, and Noah (Ashley) Hermes and great-grandchildren, Oliver Hermes, George Hermes, Seamus Barnes-Hermes, Xavier Hermes, and Lucy Hermes.

Also surviving are her brothers, Burke Krueger, Thomas (Carol) Krueger and nieces and nephews, Gretchen Krueger, Christian Krueger, Sara Shaw, Julia Krueger-Goertzen, and Doug Krueger.

The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. with burial following the mass at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.