Edward Earl Bollinger passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born on February 10, 1938, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Naomi and Park Bollinger, Ed was a kind soul with a servant's heart. As a child, he helped support the family business by making and selling pretzels for the Golden Brownie Pretzel Bakery, offering soft pretzels on Saturday mornings for just three cents.

A 1956 graduate of William Penn High School, Ed went on to earn his degree from Susquehanna University in 1960. His journey took him to Ohio, first to Painesville and eventually to Sandusky in the mid-1960s, where he found his true calling in service to others.

Ed dedicated many years to helping his community first as the Executive Director of the Alcoholism Center for the City of Sandusky, and later as the Attendance and Human Services Coordinator for the Erie County Educational Service Center.  Throughout his career, he organized impactful workshops aimed at improving the lives of children, including the Students Helping Students program for school systems in Erie County.

Even in retirement, he continued to serve through Meals on Wheels and volunteering at the Ohio Veterans Home and the Erie County Senior Center, where he was known to bring joy through his warm presence-and his infamous (and often punny) jokes. He was known for all the best card games and always ready to teach anyone he met resulting in hours of fun.

Ed came to know Jesus personally later in life, describing his spiritual rebirth similar to what Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John Chapter 3. His faith became a cornerstone of his identity, and he cherished the fellowship of his Saturday morning Bible study group.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Naomi and Park, and his sister Donna Leinaweaver.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Laureen Bollinger; his sister, Jean Thompson; his children Sally Serrano, Paris Bollinger (Sue), Amy Maag (Steve), and Jason Bollinger (Nicole); 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his boundless energy, his charming personality, and the deep love he had for his family, friends, and faith. While he will be missed deeply here on earth, we take comfort knowing he is rejoicing in Heaven.

Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia, is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com