Gerald Lee Bolinger

Gerald Lee Bolinger, 74, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026.

Gerry was born July 9, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa to Raymond and Edna (Ore) Bolinger. He spent his life as a “Product Relocation Engineer” (truck driver). He kept an eye out for treasures on the side of the road and would stop his big truck to pick up scrap metal, brand new tires, tools, and many other things that he would then sell. He had a “side hustle” before that was even a thing.

He was always willing to lend anyone a helping hand. He liked to work with his hands and could fix your car, or build a deck, or repair just about anything. He was always available to help his daughter, Twilla with any car issues she had, from fixing them to checking out any potential new car she had her eye on.

Gerry had a soft spot for children and animals. He would give out homemade pumpkin bread to friends and neighbors and had a ready supply of ice cream or cans of pop to give to the neighborhood kids while he fixed their bikes. He rescued animals he would find. Because his daughter, Lynn was afraid of snakes, he would catch garter snakes from the yard in a five-gallon bucket and release them rather than harm them.

Gerry loved having his family around him and kept in touch with weekly conversations with his son, Ray, talking about memories and reminiscing about old times. Gerry was loving and kind. He was a devoted husband and a constant source of support for his wife, Katie. One of his greatest joys was making homemade ice cream for his three granddaughters in an old hand-crank ice cream maker, because according to him, it was the best. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Bolinger; children, Naomi Lynn Bolinger, Raymond (Dana) Bolinger, and Twilla Kanne; granddaughters, Zonona, Harlow, and Aliana; brothers, Jeff Bolinger and David (Mary) Shepherd; mothers-in-law, Doris Knight and Dorothy Kanne; and many other extended family and friends.

Gerry was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Bolinger; father, Raymond Bolinger; stepmother, Faye Bolinger; siblings, Denny Shepherd and Deb Shepherd; and his fathers-in-law, Norman Knight and William Kanne. He was also preceded by the family cat, Brown Eyes and the family dogs, Dude, Harley, Breezer, Bonnie, and Clyde.

Services will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery after the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Donor Network in memory of Gerry.

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