Bolinger, Wayne Ivan of Flint, age 97, slipped peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 10, 2018. Wayne was born in Lightsville, Ohio on November 18, 1920, the son of David and Lulu Bolinger. He was the eldest of five children. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1939. After graduating, he met Letha Multhaupt, and in 1942, they were involved in a terrible automobile accident, which left his car totaled. He spent two weeks in hospital, and his sweetheart, Letha had severe injuries – a broken neck, multiple broken bones, and a 9-month hospital stay. Doctors said she would never walk again or give birth to any children. During this time, Wayne received his draft orders to report for military duty on June 10, 1942. He could not bear the thought of leaving Letha behind, so they were married on the 5th floor of Hurley Hospital on June 6, 1942 – four days before he left for boot camp! Love has no obstacles! Near the end of the year, Letha walked out of the hospital, and in the years to follow, they had eight children. Wayne served in the U.S. Army 313th Infantry, 79th division from 1942 to 1945. He earned many medals, including a purple heart. He was involved in the D-Day invasion, and was injured on D-Day plus 13, which landed him in hospital in England for five weeks. Then, instead of being sent home, he was ordered back into the war zone. After returning to the U.S., he worked at Buick while attending GMI, where he received his Journeyman’s card. Shortly thereafter, he opened a small tool and die shop - C & B Tool and Mfg. Co. - with his friend, Cliff Culver. In 1967, he bought Davison Tool and Engineering from another friend, William Swartz. In 1973, he sold this business to his son, David. The business is still in operation. After retiring in 1974, he and his wife travelled with his sister Evelyn, and husband Harvey Parker, to Alaska, where they toured for three months in their campers. Later, they travelled through Mexico in their motor home for three months. One month before Letha passed away, they completed an 8,000-mile trip throughout the U.S. In 1978, Wayne and Letha joined their daughter Lei, and friend Pat, in Amsterdam for a tour of Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, and England. In 1984, Wayne toured Australia and New Zealand. On many other occasions, he made hunting and fishing trips to Alaska with his sons. Travelling was definitely one of his passions! He was a life-time member of the NRA, and an avid hunter. His grandest prize: a huge caribou from Alaska. At the age of 85, for the first time, he started attending church regularly, making Trinity Assembly of God his church home. At age 88, he gave his life to Christ, and was baptized at 89. There is no doubt in our minds that he is now rejoicing in the presence of the One who loved him and shed His blood for the forgiveness of his sins. Wayne is survived by his two daughters: Rev. Aletha “Lei” Bolinger, of Flint, and Debra (Neal) Kemmerline, of Avon Park, FL; three sons: Virgil (Cheryl), David (Linda), and Delmont, all of Flint; sister: Delores Parker; many nieces and nephews, 17 grandkids, 35 great grandkids, and 16 great-great grandkids; and long-time, close, family friend, Patricia McAllister. He was preceded in death by his wife, Letha; son, Duane; daughters, Baby Noreen, Carol (Jack) Diechman, Janet (Jim) Woodruff; and three sisters, Aileen (Joe) Estock, Evelyn (Harvey) Parker, and Dorothy Jean (John) Tabor. Many thanks to Pastor Bill Christensen for his many hospital visits, encouraging words, and prayers; and to Allcare United’s caregivers, Rita, Nate, and Ashley! Funeral services for Wayne will be held at 11 AM, on Monday, June 18, 2018, at Trinity Assembly of God, 4363 W. Mt. Morris Road; Mt. Morris, MI; Rev. Bill Christensen officiating. Burial will follow in Crestwood Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held 2-8 PM on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Rd., and 10 AM until the time of service at the church on Monday, June 18, 2018.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18