Evelyn Grace Gollinger

Evelyn Grace Gollinger, nee’ Splan, affectionately known as Evie, passed away peacefully in Shoreline, Washington, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Born on June 30, 1929, in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, Evie's vibrant spirit and warm heart touched all who knew her throughout her 94 years of life. Evie's journey began as a tow-headed & bright-eyed girl in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She loved her hometown of Sault Ste Marie, and shared many stories of growing up with her parents, (Tom and Grace Splan) and her brothers, sisters and extended family members. A proud 1947 graduate of Sault Ste Marie High School, she went on to work as a Doctor's Assistant and a Pharmacy Assistant, roles that reflected her innate desire to care for others. Following high school, she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob/Bun) Gollinger. They wed in 1951, a union that was filled with love and partnership for 72 remarkable years. Together, Evie and Bob raised a family that would become her pride and joy. She is survived by her daughters Cindy Krueger and Cathy Merrill, her adored grandchildren Lindsey Kucinski (Paul), Amanda Rivas (Carlos), and Jacob Robinson (Rebecca), and cherished great-grandchildren Khloe, Peyton, Kimberly, Gabriella, Carlos and Emilio Rivas, Bentley, Greyson, Jacob, and Ava Robinson. Her cherished sister, Virginia Wilbur, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, also survive her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, her brothers Will Splan (Patricia), Joe Splan (Donna), and sister Joyce Pelltier (Gordon). Following her marriage and the birth of Cindy, Evie devoted herself to creating a nurturing home for her family. Bob's career led them from Ferris State College to Royal Oak, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky, where Cathy was born. The family later returned to Royal Oak, and upon Bob's retirement in the 1980s, they settled in Petoskey to be closer to family and their treasured cabin. Evie's life was one of connection and joy. Describing herself as a 'people person,' she thrived in the company of friends and family. Her ability to find and celebrate the beauty in each moment, especially with babies and young ones, was one of her most endearing qualities. She and Bob shared a love for golf and were long-standing members of the Petoskey Bay View Country Club. Their shared adventures continued with the modernization of the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula, where they welcomed friends and family for memorable vacations and weekend getaways. Those who knew Evie will remember her as loving, kind, and adventurous. Her zest for life and her loving nature were evident in everything she did. She was a beacon of light and warmth, and her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Evie's life will be celebrated in memories and stories shared by those who loved her. She leaves behind a tapestry of lives enriched by her presence, a family lineage adorned with her love, and a world bettered by her kind spirit. Evelyn Grace Gollinger's journey was a testament to a life well-lived and well-loved. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends for generations to come. A service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey on July 13, 2024 at 11:30am, followed by an interment at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital - honoring Evelyn's love of children.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -