Charles Lester Bollacker

Charles L Bollacker, 93, passed away at his home on September 6, 2023. Born March 3, 1930, in La Junta Colorado to Cornelius Floyd and Maggie Bollacker. Charles graduated from Ordway High School in 1948. After serving for 4 years in the Army reserve, he joined the Air Force in 1952. After completing basic training, he was assigned to the 615th AC&W squadron, stationed in Prum, Germany where he remained until 1956. During his time in Germany, he was able to visit many countries and was able to locate the Bollacker family home in Hille, Germany where his grandfather grew up before migrating to America.

After his service he returned to Ordway and married Patty Ann Reyher on October 27, 1956, in Raton NM. The newlyweds moved to Pueblo, and he began working at the Star Journal-Chieftain newspaper as a typesetter. In 1958 Patty and Charles welcomed a daughter Mitzi Lynn, and a second daughter Kelly Sue, in 1965.

Being a forward-thinking man in the late 60’s he used his GI bill to attend college during the day while working at night. He graduated from Southern Colorado State College with an associate degree in applied science, at the dawn of the computer age. When the Pueblo Chieftain began to transition from the linotype system to computer guided systems, he was tasked to help with this transition. He finished his 45-year career doing computer maintenance in 2001.

After his retirement he volunteered at the Rawlings Library as a docent in the Chieftain Museum. He enjoyed working in his yard, building things and just being a grandad. In the past few years, he was able to become more active in church attending almost every Sunday, his Sunday school class “FBI”, and playing cards every Thursday until he was unable.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife Patty Ann in 2013, Grandson Jeremy Douglas “JD” in 2016, and daughter Mitzi Lynn in 2020.

Charles is survived by his daughter Kelly (Marvin) Kissick, son-in-law Daniel (Denise) Steckman, granddaughters Autumn (Anthony) Conde, Elyse (Brandon) Purdy, Destry (Jordan Aday) Kissick, grandson Charlie (Erin) Steckman. Great-granddaughters Hallee (Donovan Jones), Sierra Conde, Shyanne Conde Emma Sexton, Marley Purdy, great-grandsons Josh Steckman and Deagan Purdy. Brother Donald Bollacker and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for Friday September 22, 2023 @11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 310 W 11th St. Pueblo, Colorado, with interment and military honors at Imperial Gardens 5450 CO 78 , Pueblo Colorado immediately after service. The family will receive guests after internment at First United Methodist Church Booth Hall.

Memorial donations/in lieu of flowers, may be made to First United Methodist Church or Muscular Dystrophy Association in Charles’s name.