Bruce E. Bollinger
May 18, 1959 ~ December 31, 2012
Bruce E, Bollinger, age 53 of Forest Lake, passed away December 31, 2012 in Fridley, Minnesota following a lengthy illness of Ataxia. Bruce was born May 18, 1959 in Bowdle, South Dakota, the son of Ervin R. and Shirley E. (Stotz) Bollinger. Bruce grew up, graduated from high school and attended college in South Dakota. On August 15, 1981, Bruce was united in marriage to Kae E. Williams. He was proud to be the father of Morgan and Trevor. He worked in accounting and in sales analysis in the dairy industry. Bruce truly enjoyed serving at his church, Forest Hills United Methodist Church in Forest Lake. Bruce will be deeply missed by his wife, Kae Bollinger; daughter, Morgan (Matt) Lindholm; son, Trevor Bollinger; mother, Shirley Bollinger of Webster, SD; brother, Kip (Nancy) Bollinger of Pittsburg, KS; father-in-law, Donald Williams; many nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Ervin Bollinger; sister, Pennie Sue Bollinger; and his mother-in-law, Esther Williams. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 5-8 PM in Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025. A funeral service to honor Bruces life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 5, 2013 in Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 1790 - 11th Street SE, Forest Lake, MN 55025 with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will be held in Wyoming United Methodist Cemetery.
I knew Bruce and his family very well growing up in Webster and I am sad to hear of his passing. He was a really good friend and I’m sorry we lost touch over the years. I’ll never forget the fun times we had playing golf and nothing was funnier than imitating his dads golf swing. You all know what I mean. Rest in peace Bruce. All my best to Shirley, Kip, Kae, Morgan and Trevor.
Bruce and I spent many hours counting church offerings or YPA donations. I will never forget him scolding Lucy for barking at me when I arrived at your house! I will also never forget his laugh, his smile. My heart aches for the loss to the family and yet we celebrate his life and his entrance into eternity and the new body he now has.
God bless his memory and may he rest in peace as he says good-bye to Ataxia and hello to Jesus. As time goes on, may you find great peace and comfort in his healing in Heaven.
I only met Bruce after he was ill. I remain amazed at his courage, optimism and character as he battled an extremely difficult situation. Time to rest in peace.
Kae, I am so sorry for your loss. Saw the beautiful wedding photos of Morgan and was happy to see Bruce with his big smile. Please take care and God bless you all.
I remember Bruce’s smile and his laugh. What a blessing he was! Sad to hear of his passing but know God welcomed him with open arms. Kae, Morgan and Trevor, our prayers are with you as you grieve.
I grew up with Bruce in Webster, South Dakota. After graduation we roomed together at Augustana College, in Sioux Falls, SD. Most of my memories of Bruce are of a healthy, active, fun loving guy. Everyone liked Bruce. And why not? He was always friendly and caring in all of his interactions. The only strange part about rooming with Bruce was his sleep-walking habit. It wasn’t unusual for me to wake up in the night to discover our door open and Bruce missing. He always managed to find his way back and never remembered it at all. One night I heard him yell “Charge” at the top of his lungs. I looked down from the top bunk and saw him sitting up in bed with his right arm extended, pointing forward. After a minute or two he stretched out and went back to sleep. He didn’t remember that either, but I never forgot it. I remember well when Kae came into his life. Seems like I didn’t see nearly as much of him after that……
I was so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing, but I am glad that his physical struggle is over.
Bruce loved his children and spoiled them equally as much. He knew their favorite foods and carried their treats whenever they traveled. Hey…I thought he was obviously spoiling them but all was forgiven when you saw the smiles on Morgan and Trevor’s faces. He doted on them like they were the queen and king….because, to Bruce, they were. Such a dedicated Dad you were Bruce. I will always remember your love toward them. Rest in peace….
I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with Bruce and Kae. Remembering the multiple occasions brings a smile to my face. Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.
I remember the many times I heard Bruce’s Faith Statement and his ultimate Love of his Lord and Savior. Rest in Peace my friend……very well done Good and Faithful Servant.
The Bollinger family have been our friends for many years! When I think about Bruce I think of one of the kindest and most caring people I know. I never heard him complain and he certainly had reason to with the effects of his illness. He laid all his cares before his Lord and Savior and went about life with a wonderful attitude of caring for others especially his love of his life, Kae. Going back to his high school days, Bruce took such pride as his job of student manager of the basketball team. I am quite certain there has been none better. Bruce love basketball and of course golf. He was so proud of his brother Kip’s sports accomplishments.it was hard to tell who was more excited over the State championship win Bruce or Kip. Of course he was a dedicated son to his wonderful parents. I remember the day that he and Kae came out to our house to ask if our Jenny would be their flower girl or miniature bride for their wedding. That was a memorable wedding day! He loved his two children unconditionally. Morgan a daddy’s girl and Trevor a son to share his love of guy things. He loved watching you play sports and I know he was so proud of each of you! Kae, Morgan, Trevor, Shirley, Kip and family members you have lost a very special loved one, but he will never be forgotten. When I received his last Christmas card I cried thinking how he could take the time and energy to send us a card and I didn’t find a minute to send any! Lesson learned. So Bruce may you rest from your labor and walk in the sunshine of heaven and know that every May 18th when we celebrate Jenn’s birthday we will light a candle for you as a rememberance of someone so special to us! Love always! Debbie and family
It was one of the first times I met Bruce while working in the church kitchen at Forest Hills. There was a bowl of flavored coffee creamers as I remembered on the counter and without hesitation he grabbed a couple of them in hand exclaiming how much he loved them (these little things) and proceeded to drink them exclaiming a long satisfying ….Ahhhhhhh!
He was a really kind and good man. You can rest now Bruce!