Obituary of Gerald C. Wollan

Gerald C. "Jerry" Wollan, Retired Public Relations executive, writer, volunteer and longtime Bloomington resident died Tuesday at age 93. Jerry was born January 11, 1922 in Glenwood, MN and grew up in La Crosse, WI. He was an Eagle Scout and WWII Army veteran with five battle stars including Battle of the Bulge, serving as Supply Sergeant and French translator in Belgium, France and Germany. He began his long career in journalism and public relations in the 1950s, working with the Wisconsin News Service, the La Crosse Tribune, Baxter Labs and Modern Medicine. In the 1960s, he served as secretary of the National Public Relations Society of America board of directors and president of the Minnesota PRSA chapter before starting PR firm Wollan & Wollan with wife Lois. The 1970s heralded a new and exciting chapter for Jerry when he joined PR firm Padilla & Speer (now PadillaCRT). He served as vice chairman until his retirement in 1987, focusing on building awareness and understanding of the PR profession. He made major contributions to the education and training of the PR professionals. Jerry also was a driving force behind turning Padilla & Speer leadership over to the next generation. 1979 began a new and joyous chapter with his marriage to Ottilie "Billie" (Bergdahl) Poindexter. They embraced each other's families and enjoyed travel, music and summers at Lake Sylvia until her death in 2014. Golf was a lifelong passion, resulting in Wisconsin county and state amateur titles. Love of music was a hallmark throughout his life and he was both an avid listener and participant. Volunteer efforts included Chairman of Arthritis Foundation and teaching courses at the U of MN and College of St. Thomas. He received the WCCO Good Neighbor Award and National volunteer service citation in 1987. Jerry's legacy is celebrated by his loving family: children Eric (Pam) Wollan, Chris (Doug Boleen) Wollan, Lisa Wollan; Grandchildren Karl (Laura) and Lauren Boleen; Great-grandchildren Amelia and Ida Boleen and stepchildren Stephen (Ceil Critchley) Poindexter, Adele (Richard) Evidon, Jonathan (Katherine) Poindexter and their families. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Tuesday, December 22 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave., Edina, MN. Visitation will begin at 4:00 with a service at 5:00 and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry's name may be made to Minnesota Public Radio, 480 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101.