Submitted by: Dan Rich

Wilbur J. Bollinger

Jan. 19, 1922 -- June 2, 2005

South Bend Tribune 6/5/2006

Wilbur J. "Bill" Bollinger, 83, residing on East Dubail Avenue, South Bend, died at 9:20 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2005, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. He was born Jan. 19, 1922, in South Bend, to Oscar and Dolly (Zechiel) Bollinger, and had remained a lifelong resident of this community.

On March 11, 1944, in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, South Bend, he married Rita M. Klosinski. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita of 61 years; along with a daughter, Carol Ann (Tom) Sergeant of Mishawaka; three sons, David W. (Theresa) Bollinger of Granger, William J. Bollinger of Huntersville, N.C., and James A. (Eileen) Bollinger of South Bend. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Ryan (Joann) Sergeant, Jason (Traci) Sergeant, Alyssa, Nicholas and Joshua Bollinger; two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Clara Sergeant; and a brother, Richard Bollinger of Fort Wayne, Ind.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Maybelle Pierce and Alice Mae Briggs; and a brother, Robert Bollinger. He was a World War II Army veteran and was honorably discharged in 1941.

He retired in 1987 as a captain with the South Bend Fire Department, Ladder Company 10, following 38 years of service. He also was employed part-time as a serviceman with Harvey Pro Hardware. He was a member of St. Matthew Cathedral for more than 50 years. He was a Notre Dame and NASCAR fan, and enjoyed fishing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2005, in St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami, South Bend. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday in Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, where a parish Rosary will be said at 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Mr. Bollinger may be made to the American Lung Association, 9445 Delegates Row, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3805.