Erika Paula Bollinger

Erika Bollinger, 85, of Tampa met the Lord on Friday, July 10, 2015 after a courageous battle against Crohns/Colitis disease. Erika is survived by her husband, Ehren L. Bollinger, two sisters Nanny Silbermann of Buckeburg, Germany, and Maria Schingnitz of Munich, Germany, daughter, Cindy Mullen, and two grandchildren Mallory and Tyler Mullen. Born in Dux, Czechoslovakia, Erika immigrated to the United States with Ehren in June of 1953 after marrying in March. An American soldier, Thomas McFarlane, whom the couple befriended in Germany near the end of World War II, sponsored their journey to U.S. Ehren and Erika first moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Erika modeled for Fantles Department Store. Five years later, Ehren and Erika relocated to Tampa, Florida, where they started their family and put down roots in the Tampa community. A faithful wife of 62 years and loving mother and grandmother, Erika enjoyed exploring her passions of gardening, cooking, and, homemaking. She was active in the Hillsborough County School system for 30 years, proudly boasted membership in the Tampa Lakes Woman’s Club, and faithfully attended Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, where she further cultivated her faith with the Lamplighters. She will be forever remembered for her kind and generous heart, fighting spirit, unconditional love, and fierce commitment to God, her family, and many loving friends. Services will be held at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church; date and time to be confirmed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Erika’s name to either the Lamplighters Prayer Group of Lake Magdalene or the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.