Zelma V. Bolinger, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday morning, March 25, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

Zelma Vernice was born Sept. 26, 1932, in Austin to Isaac and Myrtle (Ollmann) Merrill. She graduated with the class of 1950 from Austin High School. Zelma was united in marriage to William Dean Bolinger on July 18, 1953, in Northwood, Iowa. Zelma and Bill raised their family and resided in Austin their entire married life. She was a long-time employee of the Hormel Company in Austin, retiring in 1982 after 32 years of service. Zelma had many interests and hobbies including, crafts, oil painting, sewing, baking, flower gardening, and dancing. She loved time spent with her family at their cabin in Pine City. Zelma’s life centered around family and friends, and was known as the “rock of the family.”

Zelma is survived by her husband, Bill, of Austin; children, William (Janice) Bolinger of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Vickie (Dennis) Lidtke of LeRoy, Minnesota, and Tracy Merten of Lyle, Minnesota; grandchildren, Chad, Billy, Dustin, Brandi, Stephanie, Trisha, Brittany, Joshua, and Haley; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandchildren, Brandon and Baby Boy Lidtke.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating. Interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017, and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.