Surrounded by smiles on February 27th, 1993, Natalie Kate Bolin, Shonkey, made an entrance into the world and, for the first time, generated her most evident mannerism that would later characterize her personality. She smiled as if it were her purpose in life, and those closest to her knew that in fact it was, as she successfully and repeatedly passed that smile on every day. Her happiness indulged every friend she made, every person that passed her by. Even minutes before Natalie passed away due to a motor vehicle accident on February 20th, 2010, she showed her passion for life one last time in a day spent full of laughter and excitement at the high school state swim meet.

Natalie was an accomplished athlete, competing on the Oshkosh YMCA swim team at the national level and being named 2009 Swimmer of the Year for the Oshkosh West swim team. Her love for the sport and her teammates radiated from her being, and her daily presence at practice reflected her unvarying dedication.

Yet swimming was only one of many passions. Natalie dedicated her life to soccer, tennis, piano, singing, and snowboarding. These were all favorite activities, but perhaps her greatest talents could be found in the savory taste of her regular Swedish pancake breakfasts or the outcome of endless hours spent styling her sisters' hair. Natalie also volunteered at Mercy Hospital, not chained by her parents' wishes but by her love of helping people and following in her older sisters' footsteps.

Now it's time for sisters Ashley, 20, Stephanie, 18, and Leah, 15, to turn the tables and sustain their Shonkey's brilliance as she lives on in their hearts. Natalie depicted the heart of a champion, the beauty of an angel, and the most adoring and devoted daughter that her mother, Mary-Jo Menzies could ever ask for. She is also survived by grandparents Marilyn and Arnold Bolin of Land O' Lakes and Mary and Irv Immel of Oshkosh.

She is preceded in death by her father Bruce Bolin, grandfather Donald Menzies, dear family friend Emily Sweeney, and cousin Courtney Sohm. Visitation will be held at St. Raphael Church, 830 S. Westhaven Street, in Oshkosh on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 from 4-7 PM, followed by a prayer service at 7 PM. A second visitation with take place on Friday, February 26th from 8 AM, until service time at 10 AM. A memorial has been established in Natalie's name for the Oshkosh YMCA swim team and the Mercy Foundation. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.

Seefeld Funeral and

Cremation Services

(920) 236-7750