Charles Eugene “Gene” Bollinger

Charles Eugene "Gene" Bollinger passed away peacefully at home in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by his family, on October 11, 2025.

Gene was born on November 10, 1935, in Carterville, Illinois, to Charles and Louise Bollinger. He graduated from East Peoria High School in 1953 and began his lifelong career with the railroad shortly thereafter. Starting with the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad in 1955 in Peoria, Illinois, he later transferred to the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka, Kansas, in 1984. After 42 dedicated years of service, he retired in November 1997.

In May 1958, Gene met the love of his life, Nadine Whitten. They were married on October 29, 1960, in Peoria, Illinois, and were blessed with two children and nearly 65 years of marriage.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nadine; his sons, Keith (Karen) of Sherman, Texas and Eric

(Lorie) of Topeka, Kansas; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Stephen) Eschmann of Topeka, Kansas,

Katie Bollinger of Topeka, Kansas, Kayli (Justin) Lyons of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Zach (Kate) Bollinger of Nashville, Tennessee; and his great-grandchildren, Vivian and Amelia Eschmann, and Oliver and Elanor Lyons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Louise, and his two brothers, Robert Ray Bollinger and John Steven Bollinger.

Gene will be remembered for his lifelong faith in his Lord and Savior, his unwavering love for his family, his steady presence in the lives of those he loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 25th at 11:00AM at East Side Baptist Church located at 4425 SE 29th St Topeka, Kansas 66605. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gene to East Side Baptist Church.