Gerald E. Bollinger, 86, died Monday, March 20, 2017, in Sun Lakes, Ariz.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Jerry, or G.E. to his friends and family, was born Dec. 25, 1930, and lived the majority of his life as a South Dakotan. During the first part of his life, he lived in eastern South Dakota, graduating from Cathedral High School in Sioux Falls in 1948. While attending the University of South Dakota, Jerry was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and a USD Stroller. He graduated from USD in 1952 and attended the School of Law. His law education was interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., and later in Germany as a protocol officer.
His USD sweetheart, Mary Jean Dunn, flew to Germany, and she and Jerry were married in 1954. They both graduated from USD in 1956, and Jerry went to work as a lawyer in Jamison Law Offices in Woonsocket.
During his life in Woonsocket, Jerry maintained a private practice and was also Sanborn County State’s Attorney, Woonsocket School Board attorney, and had an insurance agency. He was a 50-year member of the SD Bar Association. For many years, Jerry was commander of the Woonsocket National Guard unit and was a member of St. Wilfrid Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Jerry raised his five children in Woonsocket, and all of them graduated from USD.
In 1981, Jerry sold his law practice and retired, allowing the couple to spend time at the family home in the Black Hills near Lead and the Sun Lakes, Ariz., retirement community. Jean passed away in 2008.
Jerry loved the opera and theater and was an avid hunter, golfer, card player and Phoenix Suns fan.
Jerry is survived by his children, Debra Bollinger of Virginia, Mark (Julie) of Florida, Scott (Deb) of Pierre, and Gregg (Joanne) of Missouri; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his wife, Rose.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Jean; his daughter, Karen; and many of his extensive family.
Any memorials may be made to the William F. Bollinger Scholarship at the University of South Dakota Foundation or to St. Wilfrid Catholic Church in Woonsocket.