Fred C. Bollinger

Fred Bollinger passed away in Tacoma, WA, after a three-year battle with cancer, his wife and partner of 47 years, Sue at his side. He never gave up hope that he would be cured of that dreaded disease.  He was proceeded in death by his mother, Mary Bollinger, Sister Gertrude Brown , and eldest son Jerald Bollinger.

He is survived by his wife Sue Coley- Bollinger, son Charles Bollinger (Michelle) and five grandchildren, Carson Jollie, Jayden and Charlee Bollinger and Faith and Jessica Bollinger.

Fred was a third generation member of Sacred Heart Parish. He graduated from Lincoln High School. A lifetime member of the Furniture Workers and Millman’s Union. He began his working career at Northwest Chair and landed at Harmon Cabinets where he spent over twenty years  working and honing his skills in the Modification Department.  He moved on when an opportunity arose to work at Neely Cabinets and Construction. He enjoyed working in the small family owned shop and there he was able to let his talents shine and continue to learn from Al and John Neely. Fred retired early from there when his back finally gave out and he could no longer do the work he loved.

Fred loved his family. He was always there to help his mom or uncle when needed. When no could no longer tend his yard, Fred would go there every Wednesday after work to help the man who he considered his father. Being treated to steak dinner and spending time with people he cared about was not such a bad deal. 

He was not one to gush over people he cared about but his eyes lit up and he would break into a big grin when Grandpa B would collect hugs from his grands.

Fred had quite a collection of cars. He purchased his first pre-war car from an old high school buddy, A 27 Dodge Brothers Business Sedan with a fast four engine.  He was proud of his survivor and  made up stories about the bullet holes in the back.  He called it his AL Capone car. It was not long before he brought home more treasures, each one a piece of automobile history that he was determined to preserve. Soon he had 13 cars and a dump truck . 

Fred and Sue had a lifelong romance. They met while Sue was attending college. When she transferred to Central Washington.  He would make the trip to see her every weekend , unless she was coming to Tacoma.  It was destined that they would spend a lifetime loving each other and supporting each other in all the joys and sadness that happen in life.  Fred loved their connection when they could finish each other's thoughts or look at the other one and say “ I was thinking the same thing”.  Fred was Sue’s rock when she was diagnosed with cancer and supported her through multiple surgeries, chemo and celebrated when she was declared NED (no evidence of disease).  He always said thank you, complimented what ever he was served for dinner, and kissed her goodnight.

Fred also had a weakness for strays. No animal in the neighborhood went hungry and those without a home ended up finding one with Fred and Sue.

Fred survived two open heart surgeries, a back fusion and decades of chronic pain. It slowed him down but did not stop him from spending time in the garage, working on one of his cherished old cars.

Fred will be missed by his many friends at GEAA, a  pre-war car club that he was a founding member of. Most of all he will be missed by his beloved wife Sue, his son Chuck and his dear grandchildren.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fred C. Bollinger, please visit our floral store.