Burns Harbor, IN:
A beautiful, yet complex woman with a catching sense of humor and generous
soul entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 30, 2008 at the age of 84.
Elsie C. Bolinger was born on February 29, 1924 in Gary, IN to Gottfried and
Ninnie Franzen.
In 1941, after attending Emerson High School, Elsie married her high school
sweetheart and star athlete, Richard F. Bolinger, Sr. A long-time resident of
Burns Harbor, IN and member of Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Porter, IN, she was a charitable person who translated books for the blind
and volunteered as an assistant Girl Scout leader. An entrepreneur, Elsie
turned her gift for acquiring fine objects into a charming collectibles shop
aptly named “The BEE-Hive”. Those who knew Elsie best will fondly remember
her as an ethical woman who would always keep a secret and give an honest
opinion. She was a sincere listener, talented seamstress, and guardian of
family traditions,
Elsie loved Mickey Mouse, flowers, and bumblebees; swooned for Elvis; and
though she traveled internationally, she preferred to be in Las Vegas seated
masterfully at a slot machine. She took great pride in her family, her home,
and her friendships. A natural redhead, she was mischievous and
strong-willed; a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She
had a need for order in all that she did which was usually a blessing, but
sometimes a curse.
Elsie’s parents, and sister, Margaret V. Eriksson of Miller, IN, preceded her
in death. She is survived by her two brothers: L. William (Martha) Franzen of
Valparaiso, IN and Carl R. Franzen of Munster, IN; her loving husband of 67
years; three children: Richard F. (Jolene) Bolinger, Jr. of Crown Point, IN;
Michael G. (Linda) Bolinger of Toledo, OH, Pamela J. Kennoy of Michigan City,
IN, and Michael L. Dillon of Burns Harbor, IN, whom she loved like a son and
is like a brother to her children; eight grandchildren: Kristen (Scott)
Radwan of Munster, IN, Rebekah (Kevin) Matokar of Dyer, IN, Jason Bolinger of
Toledo, OH, Darren Bolinger of Lansing, MI, Kimberly Bolinger of Toledo, OH,
Tonya (Steve) Hiscox of Chesterton, IN, Beth Purdy of Michigan City, IN, and
Amy (Joe) Beyer of Maple Valley, WA; five great-grandchildren: Alexander,
Logan, Branden, Trae, and Samantha; and numerous nieces & nephews.
Friends may visit with the family at Geisen Funeral Home, 7905 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN on Sunday, July 6, 2008 from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. A funeral
service to celebrate Elsie’s life will take place at the funeral home on
Monday, July 7, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Eric Bernth of Augsburg
Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. Internment will follow at Calumet
Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN.
Memorials in Elsie’s name may be made to Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran
Church, 100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304. To share a memory,
please visit the guest book section on the obituary page at:
www.geisenfuneral.com
PAID OBITUARY
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Posted 7/3/2008
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