Irene R. Bollig

Irene Rose Bollig

Irene Rose (Pelzel) Bollig, 100, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, after having lived a long and wonderful life.

She was born on October 29, 1916 in Catharine, Kansas the daughter and one of eleven children of Leo and Sophie (Staab) Pelzel. She attended school in both Hyacinth and Catharine through the 8th grade, and was an accomplished life-long student in her roles as a loving wife and mother, homemaker, friend and caregiver to her family and anyone in need of comfort. Her children share fond memories not only of her wonderful meals and desserts, but also her championship games in Pinochle, Sequence, and Scrabble, as well as a cherished collection of many quilts, lace, crafts and needlework lovingly made by hand.  She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a 64 year member of the Daughters of Isabella.

Irene found her dance partner at the Gala Gardens, and was united in marriage to William A. “Bill” Bollig on September 9th, 1940 in Catharine. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before Bill's passing in 2008.

At age 19, she ventured from the family farm to Hays and was employed at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Motz- the editor of the Hays Daily News, where she did housekeeping and some cooking in return for room and board. Irene worked as a Nurse's Aide at St. Anthony's Hospital for 25 years. After retiring, she regularly visited patients to read to them and delivered mail, and made crafts and sold items in the hospital gift shop.

She is survived by her brothers Bill and James Pelzel, a sister Marie Mermis, her children Dennis (Mary) Bollig of Delta, Co, Bill (Judy) Bollig of Poplar Bluff, MO, Sue Bollig of Sacramento, CA, and Arlin (Jodi) Bollig of Tempe, AZ as well as seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William A. Bollig, her sisters Beatrice, Alice, Clara, Edna and Frances, and her brothers Leo and Alphonse.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street.  Private family inurnment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time and a Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 10:30 am, all on Tuesday at the church. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the local Catholic Charities, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.  The family of Irene Bollig wishes to thank her niece Diana Darnell and nephew Leon (Sonny) Pelzel for their steadfast care and friendship. Additionally we thank the professionals and staff of Hays Medical Center Hospice and Brookdale Senior Living.