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John Edward Bollman, 92, and Carol June Bollman, 87, beloved husband and wife, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 30, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and family that spanned nearly seven decades.
John and Carol’s story began in Room 11 as teenagers while attending Saxton Liberty High School, where they formed a bond that would last a lifetime. Their young love grew into a remarkable partnership. On December 28, 1956, they were united in marriage in Cumberland, Maryland. They shared 69 beautiful years building a life rooted in commitment, dedication and enduring affection.
John was born on October 17, 1933, in Middletown, the son of the late David A. Bollman and Mariah Mae (Feagley).
Carol was born on November 24, 1938, in Six Mile Run, the daughter of the late Willard Foreman and Margretta M. (McKnight).
John proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Pillsbury Destroyer, where he served as the ship’s barber. Prior to, he worked alongside his father at Bollman’s Garage, later working at H&H Auto Shop in St. Thomas, and on the pipeline. Following his military service, he earned a strong reputation for excellence in auto body work at his business Bollman’s Body Shop, later known as Bollman’s Auto Salvage. He was also well known in the community for 52 years, as a school bus contractor and driver for the Tussey Mountain School District.
Carol devoted her working years to serving her community and supporting her family. She was employed at Bedford Springs, Bedford Hospital, and Tussey Mountain Elementary and High School cafeterias. She also worked as a bus contractor/driver, as well as the daily operations at Bollman’s Body Shop, playing an important role in the family business. Carol was known for her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic.
Together, John and Carol raised two children, John D. Bollman (Danielle) and Penny C. Brode (Arnold). They were proud grandparents to five grandchildren: Jamie Allen (Jason), Jennifer Bollman, Lindsey Coffman (Daniel), Melanie Donaldson (Jordan), Madison Bollman and cherished eleven great-grandchildren: Aubrie, Blair, Lylee, Reed, Kurt, Chace, Ford, Sawyer, Johnny, Elizabeth, and Oliver.
John is survived by his sister, Audrey Reed, of Huntingdon, PA. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Grace Funkhouser (Jim), Edna Colyer (Art), Delores Houck (Don), and his brother-in-law, Tom Reed.
Carol is survived by her brother, Dennis Foreman, of Blairsville, PA, and her sister, Bonnie Steele (Marlin), of McConnellsburg, PA. She is preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Carmen Foreman.
Both John and Carol were preceded in death by their beloved great-grandson, Hayden.
In their quieter moments, John and Carol found joy in simple pleasures. They loved watching Pittsburgh Steelers games with their son, John, sharing laughter, commentary, and lifelong loyalty to their team. They also enjoyed going out to eat together, turning ordinary meals into cherished time spent side by side. Carol especially found peace and creativity in crocheting, often creating handmade pieces that were shared with loved ones and treasured for years. Whether at home or out in the community, they truly never met a stranger, welcoming everyone with warmth, conversation, and genuine interest, always with a root beer barrel in hand.
John and Carol will be remembered for their enduring love story, their dedication to family, and the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness they passed down through generations. Their home was always a place of warmth and tradition and their memory will be forever cherished by all who knew them. They attended the Oasis of Love Church in the Valley, Saxton, Pa.
Friends will be received at the Curtis A. Heath Funeral Home Inc. on Saturday, February, 7, 2026 from 11 AM - 2 PM with a funeral service taking place starting at 2 PM with Pastor Kathy Speck officiating. Mr. Bollman will receive military honors by the Broad Top Area Honor Guard.
Interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Saxton, PA.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Curtis A. Heath Funeral Home Inc. 5010 Railroad Ave. Broad Top City, Pa. 16621. Online condolences can be made at www.caheathfh.com.
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