Ernest Lee Bollinger
July 26, 1934 - April 12, 2021
Obituary
MONONA - Ernest L. "Ernie" Bollinger, age 86, of Monona, passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021, at Oak Park Place. He was born on July 26, 1934, in Burt, Iowa, the son of Emil and Selma (Busse) Bollinger. Ernie graduated from Avoca High School in 1952 and joined the U.S. Army in 1953. He married Virginia Martin on Oct. 3, 1959.
Ernie worked for MG&E for 36 years, before retiring. He was very involved in the Monona community. Ernie coached Monona Pewee Football and was a board member for about 40 years. He also played and umpired for Monona softball and was an avid bowler. Ernie was a member of the Monona Fire Department for 29 years and served as captain. One of Ernie’s highlights was driving the old fire truck in the Monona parade for many years. He was also a longtime member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, serving as an usher.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Virginia; sons, Bryan (Bridget) Bollinger and Denis Bollinger; daughters, Juanita Braley, Laure (Michael Darwin) Bollinger and Tina Beneker; nine grandchildren, Joshua (Julie) Bollinger, Wesley Bollinger, Tyler Beneker, Colton Darwin, Travis Braley, Amaya Beneker, Taegan Bollinger, Zoey Darwin and Gianna Bollinger; two great-grandchildren, Ernest Bollinger and Shane Jones-Caraway; and nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George (Ila) Bollinger; sisters, Patricia Stanley and Juanita Bollinger; and son-in-law, David Braley Jr.
A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2021, with the Rev. Elisa Brandt presiding. A visitation will be held at the funeral home following the service until 6 p.m. on Thursday. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, at this time a maximum of 50 guests will be allowed in the funeral home at a time, and masks and social distancing are required. A private family burial will be at Avoca Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Ernie's name may be made to Monona Fire Department or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Funeral Service
Thu Apr 15, 2021 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Thu Apr 15, 2021 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Ernest have been shared yet.
Memories
MB
Mary Everson, former VFW 7591 bartender
Other •
My deepest sympathy to Virginia and the entire Bollinger family. I had the pleasure of waiting on them for 20+ years on Friday nights, for the fish fry, at VFW#7591. Such a pleasant man and thoroughly enjoyed seeing their smiling faces. Prayers for your entire family during this time of grieving the loss of Ernie.
AO
Alvina Rakow O'Malley
Other •
Ginger and family we are so sad to see Ernie past, going to miss his smiling face at Tully's. Unfortunately we are out of state and going to miss his service. Sending prayers. Dan and Alvina
BB
Bret Backus
Other •
My memories of Ernie are of his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, courage and strength. Heaven has gained a treasure but its sad that it comes at the expense of the loss to Bollinger Family. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8 Rest in peace Ernie. And, God bless the Bollinger Family.
EG
Eugene & Doreen Grunewald
Other •
To Ginger, Laurie, Juanita and the rest of the Bollinger family, you have our sincere condolences on the passing of Ernie. It was always nice to see him smiling/laughing at Tully's. He will be missed by many!!
RA
Robert Annen
Other •
Ernie was a great neighbor in Monona, co-worker at MGE and a friend, along with Ginger, for more than 30 years. He always was happy to see me and had great stories to tell. My sympathy to Ginger and the Bollinger family. Rest In Peace Ernie!
BL
Bobbi Leen
Other •
My deepest sympathy to you Ginger and your family. First met you guys at Joes Fire Station. Then you would stop over to the Tower on Saturday's, it was always good to see you both. Ernie always knew when there was free food. He will be missed.