Lowell Wade Bollinger, 89, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away August 1, 2022, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester. The fourth of nine children, Wade was born September 30, 1932, in Topeka, Indiana, to Dr. Russell V. and Martha M. (Cripe) Bollinger.
After graduating from Chester High School in 1950, Wade enrolled at Manchester College. He was drafted into the Korean War in 1952. As a member of the Church of the Brethren, Wade filed as a conscientious objector to war. His appeal was accepted on condition that he work two years in Brethren Volunteer Service. As part of his service, Wade worked two years of hard labor as a carpenter in Austria, from 1952-1954, helping to rebuild Europe from the destruction of World War 2, as part of the Marshall Plan.
After returning to the United States, Wade graduated from Manchester College in 1957 with a degree in history. While attending Manchester College, Wade was a member of the tennis team, where he played number one singles and went undefeated his senior year. He attained his master’s degree from Indiana University in educational administration and became a lifelong educator. Wade worked as a high school principal, guidance counselor, teacher, and college professor at various institutions.
The loving memory of Lowell Wade Bollinger will be forever cherished by his sons, Ty Martin Bollinger, Huntington Woods, Michigan and Steven Wade Bollinger, Ann Arbor, Michigan; sisters, Karen (Jerry) Hand and Christine (Stanley) Beery, both of North Manchester; and granddaughter, Sydney Bollinger, Huntington Woods, Michigan. Wade was preceded in death by his daughter, Melodie Bollinger, who passed away in 1979; daughter-in-law, Michelle Bollinger; brothers, Rex, John, and Wilford Lynn Bollinger; and sisters, Janet Crumley, Retha Bechtelheimer, and Anita Cline.
Family and friends may call Friday, August 5, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Borgmann and Chaplain Laura Stone officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at New Paris Cemetery, 18549-18683, County Road 46, New Paris, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Lowell Wade Bollinger, memorial contributions may be made to the Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962 or Timbercrest Charitable Assistance Fund, P.O. 501, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Lowell Wade Bollinger has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.