Edward Bollig

DeForest- Edward James Bollig, age 68 of DeForest, died on Thursday January 3,2013 from Congestive Heart Failure, brought on by years of alcohol abuse.
Ed was born on February 17, 1944 to John and Johanna Bollig. He graduated from DeForest High School served 6 years in the Army National Guard and retired from Stock Lumber, formerly Chase lumber, where he worked his entire adult life. He was a member of St. Olaf's Catholic Church, DeForest. Ed was an avid outdoorsmen and hunter who loved to be out in nature. Ed also helped his brother Richard on the family farm over the years doing chores, working the fields and doing carpentry. Ed spent countless hours walking the fields on the farm collecting thousands of arrowheads over his lifetime.
Ed is survived by his children, John Bollig (Terry) of Stoughton and Peggy Bollig Settersten (Jay) of Cambridge and his grandchildren; Alec Bollig, Madison, Wi, and Cale and Connor Bollig of Westbrook, Maine, and Sam and Remi Settersten of Cambridge. He is further survived by his 5 sisters; Carol (La Verne) Statz, Jan Pomeranke, Dorothy (Ron) Lange, Betty (Don) Pomeranke and Mary (John) Tveit; and many nieces, nephews,(each his favorite), cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Bollig and brother-in-law, Darrell Pomeranke. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, De Forest with Father Robert Butz officiating. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Monday, January 7, 2013 at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy. Q, Waunakee and at St. Olaf's from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Burial will follow at St. Olaf Catholic Cemetery, DeForest.
We are grateful that we were able to bring our dad home to the farm for his final days. It was an honor to be with him as he passed to a better place. He was a good-hearted, simple man, but could also be ornery and difficult to deal with at times. Throughout his life he made some bad choices that led to his estrangement from those who cared most for him. In the final months of his life, we watched his anger and bitterness fade and a kind, sincere and grateful man, emerge. We were able to spend quality time with him that we had spent a lifetime longing for and he was a joy to be with. Simple things like playing checkers and watching "Get Smart" together brought so much comfort to him and us. We will remember him as a big, strong man of few words, with a can of snuff and lottery ticket in his pocket.
There are so many people we would like to thank for "watching over" our dad for so many years. First and foremost we would like to thank his 5 sisters for their unending kindness and compassion. We know all that you have done for him over the years and mere words cannot adequately express our appreciation. Carol, Jan, Dort, Betty and Mary we are and will always be profoundly grateful to you.
We would also like to thank our dad's "Renters" and dear friends, Don and Patty. They did so much for Ed over the years and we know how much he cared about you both.
To our dad's entire Agrace Hospice Team, Kim, Melanie and Deb, just to name a few, for their tireless efforts to help the end of his life be the best it could possibly be. Even though he wouldn't say it, we are certain that your presence comforted him, and made him feel safer. The attention and care that he received at the Don and Marilyn Anderson inpatient Hospice unit was outstanding. In particular, we would like to thank one of his many C.N.A.'s, Erin. Erin, your kind, easy manner was so appreciated by him and us. Thank you for what you did for him. There are many others who brought food, stopped by to visit and called to express their concern. Thank you all. These kind gestures made these past months much easier to endure.

We know your time on earth was troubled, but only you could know the pain.
You weren't afraid to face the Devil, you were no stranger to the rain.
So go rest high on that mountain, son your work on earth is done.
Go to Heaven and shout it. Look for the father and the son.
Oh how we cried the day you left us, we gathered round your grave to grieve.
Wish we could see the Angels faces, when they hear your sweet voice sing.
So go rest high on that mountain, son your work on earth is done.
Go to Heaven and shout it. Look for the father and the son.

Daddy, we know that you did the best you could. We love you and forgive you. We are so comforted knowing that you are not suffering anymore and are walking the fields of Heaven.