Edward Howard Bollinger

Edward Howard Bollinger, Age 82, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 12th surrounded by family at home. He fought a courageous battle with cancer for over a year, and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Ed was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois to Ruby and Eldon Bollinger on August 21, 1933. He was one of six brothers and sisters, including Jean, Wanda, Roy and Edith and was preceded in death last year by his sister Peggy. They lived in the Midwest until they moved to Tucson, Arizona when Ed was 14, looking for a better climate to address his father's health issues. He attended school at Tucson High School until the middle of 12th grade, when he joined the Navy at the age of 17. Edward served for 4 years on an LST tank landing ship during the Korean War, where he transported refugees and prisoners to various ports, and was honorably discharged at the age of 21. He completed his GED diploma while serving in the Navy. He began attending college at the University of Arizona while working at Montgomery Wards after returning home from the service. He later was employed at Hughes Aircraft and continued his education part-time, graduating from the University of Arizona with a Business Degree at 26. Ed met the love of his life and lifelong companion, Doris Ann Keller, who lived down the street from his family. They were married on August 31, 1957 in Tucson, Arizona. Their first home was in Tucson where he continued to work at Hughes Aircraft while attending the University of Arizona MBA program. Ed and Doris had three daughters; two of their children were born in Tucson, Sheri (Mitch) and Karen (Mike). They later moved to San Diego in 1961 when Ed was hired by the Union Oil Company, where their third daughter Lisa was born. They moved several times before settling in Wenatchee, where they found their community. He left Union Oil and joined Central Washington Hospital as a Purchasing Agent to keep his family in Wenatchee. He found his dream job at the age of 47, when he joined the Washington State Lottery, and retired after 20 years at the age of 67. He was a good salesman and always had a kind word for all, and received multiple top salesman awards for his region. Ed was a good grandfather, father, husband, and friend. He was thoughtful, kind, and cared deeply for others, especially those less fortunate. He was a prankster at heart and always had a twinkle in his eye and a positive spirit. His pride in his wife, children and grandchildren was abundant, and he would generously share stories of them with anyone he met. His love was unconditional and his support for his family endless, and he always saw the positive in people. Ed loved Wenatchee and being part of the community. He and Doris were ushers at the Town Toyota Center, where he worked for 8 years and continued working through his cancer treatments. He was a member of the Greater Wenatchee Sunrise Lions Club for many years, and received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He proudly worked assisting at the Apple Blossom parade for 25 years. He was also an accomplished bowler and enjoyed many years participating with his team in local and state tournaments until the bowling alley burned down. His service to our country was significant to him, and in his later years he enjoyed attending reunions with his former shipmates. He could always be found walking around the community and sharing stories at his favorite establishments including the Owl Drug, Bobs Classic, The Buzz Inn, and The Restaurant. He was always a fun and caring grandfather to eight grandchildren he adored: Shane Simkins, Kelli Simkins, Michael Merz, Shannon Merz, Jim Hartung, Nick Hartung, Jake Hartung and Hannah Hartung. They fondly referred to him as Papa, and each of them have special stories and memories of how he cared for, believed in, and inspired each of them. Ed and Doris enjoyed many trips with their family visiting their children and grandkids in Bellevue, WA, Bozeman, MT and Lincoln, NE including family vacations in Lake Chelan and Hauser Lake. They also appreciated time spent cruising and travelling with friends, and cherished their annual vacation to Phoenix to visit their brothers and sisters. Ed is survived by his wife of 58 years Doris Bollinger, his three children, eight grandchildren, four sisters and brothers, and several close in-laws, nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ed's life will be held on June 26th at Pybus Market. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Cancer Care House, Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice. We encourage you to share your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at www.telfordschapel.com.

Edward Howard Bollinger

August 21, 1933 - April 12, 2016