Daniel L. “Gramps” Bollinger, age 74 of Morral, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Marion General Hospital. On March 7, 1950, he was born in Marion to the late James and Evelyn “Joan” (Zender) Bollinger, and on December 20, 1969, he married the love of his life, Connie (Stewart).
Dan proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and then he spent 42 years working for Whirlpool. Known by many as “Softball Dan,” he coached baseball, basketball, and softball for 48 years for both Ridgedale and Elgin Schools, and he touched so many lives along the way. He was also dedicated to 4H, horses, and raising livestock.
He enjoyed traveling, especially to different National Parks, and he spent much of his time camping and gardening. He had the opportunity to play on the Field of Dreams, a memory he greatly treasured. Above all else, however, he was all about his family, his kids, and his grandkids. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his daughter Wendy Muselin; his sons Jerry (Amanda) Bollinger and Doug (Vickey) Bollinger; his sister Dawn Burdine; his brothers Dave (Joyce) Bollinger and James “Little Jim” Bollinger; his grandchildren Erica, Travis, Tyson, Trent, Kelsey, Loren, Bekah, Maycee, Sarah, Landon, and Kendra; his great-grandchildren Kyle, Layne, Karson, Parker, Elaura, Kenleigh, Abel, Leo, Maddex, Talon, Brooklynn, Storrie, Aurora, Roman, and RJ; his mother-in-law Barb Stewart; his sister-in-law Vickie (Dan) Murphy; his brother-in-law Mike (Marcy) Stewart; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Connie Bollinger; his mother Evelyn “Joan” Bollinger; his father James Bollinger; his sister Devonna Morris; his nephew Jon Bollinger; his father-in-law Andy Stewart; and his brother-in-law Ron Stewart.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Boyd Funeral Home. Services will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Grand Prairie Cemetery.
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n lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elgin Athletic Boosters, 1150 Keener Rd. S., Marion, and the donor may choose from one of the following sports: softball, girls’ basketball, or volleyball. Donations may also be made in Dan’s honor to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD, 20910.