Obituary for Gerald Bollinger

Gerald L. Bollinger, 84, of Salinas, California passed away of natural causes Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, at home with his family. He was born May 6, 1930, in Ellis Grove, Illinois.

Gerald lived in Salinas for more than 20 years until he retired from the U.S. Government Civil Service and moved to Texas in 1986 where he lived until returning to Salinas in 2012.

He was a U.S. Airforce veteran of the Korean War where he earned two bronze stars and several other commendations. He was a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol for over 30 years, achieving rank of Lt. Colonel. He had conducted and participated in countless search and rescue missions, and was responsible for nine finds and five saves.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Marie Bollinger, and his brother, Robert Dunn

He is survived by his life partner, Donna E. Jaranilla of Buda, Texas; daughter, June M. Stanfield of Lancaster; son, Jay P. Bollinger of Salinas; daughter, Joyce L. Ponton of Salinas, California; brothers, Lyle Bollinger of Kyle, Texas and Jean Bollinger of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, four nephews and two nieces.

Private Graveside Committal will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home, Salinas, California.