Jerald Gene BollingerChanute, KS

Jerald Gene Bollinger, 87, of Chanute, Kansas, whose life was deeply rooted in the land he loved, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. He was born on June 5, 1938, in Union City, Oklahoma, to Clarence and Allene (Hale) Bollinger.

Jerald Bollinger, a lifelong Rancher, farmer, and entrepreneur, passed away surrounded by those who knew and respected his strong work ethic and love for life.

Jerald dedicated his life to agriculture and the oil and gas industry. Alongside his work as a rancher, he owned and operated an oil and gas company with operations spanning Oklahoma, Illinois, and Kansas. Through hard work, determination, and vision, he built a business that reflected his character steady, resilient, and deeply rooted in the land.

He was an ambitious self-starter and was never afraid to take a risk. His work was not merely a career but a way of life, and he cherished every moment exploring for oil and caring for his animals.

Jerald’s early years were shaped by the close-knit community and rural values of his hometown, where he would later graduate from Union City High School.

Beyond his professional and communal contributions, Jerald embraced a variety of interests that enriched his life and brought joy to those around him. A lover of cars and aviation, he was a pilot who found delight in both driving and flying planes. His true passion was flying planes. Jerald had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus and would often be found singing in his church, where his compassion and intention went into saving souls. Equally important to Jerald was spending quality time with his family, where he was known for his storytelling, a talent that helped keep family history alive and fostered strong bonds across generations.

Jerald is survived by his wife, Beverly and his sister Janice Jensen. He is also remembered fondly by his children, David and Reginald Bollinger (Angie), Daughter-In-Law, Bridget Bollinger, his daughter, Lonna Lockhart; and his grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy, Parker, Hale, Harrison Bollinger, Morgan (Stivers), Erinn Fitzgerald, Sarah, Mary (Schoenberger) Bollinger, Matthew & Ally Bollinger, were a source of great pride and joy to him, and he took immense pleasure in watching them grow and thrive.

His stepchildren, Jay (Lori) Knorr, Cynthia (Scott) Wiltse, and John (Jennifer) Bergman; His step-grandchildren, Alex, Max, Connor, Rachel, Brent, Cassidy, Nathan, Justin, Jed, Johann, and Josephine.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, whose foundational influence shaped his character; his first wife, Mildred (Mother of his children, who shared part of his life journey), his son Jefferey, and step-grandson Blaine, whose memory remains cherished by the family.

Jerald Gene Bollinger’s life was one of honor, hard work, and compassion. His presence and contributions have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. There was no one like him. Truly a diamond in

the rough. The family extends their gratitude for the support of friends and relatives during this time of mourning, as they remember a man who truly lived with purpose and kindness. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered-especially for the cinnamon rolls that became his signature gift to those he loved.

Memorials are suggested to The Glory Barn in Parsons, Kansas. They can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door Fellowship, 918 W. 20th Street, Pittsburg, KS, 66762

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Avenue, Chanute, Kansas 66720