Arnold Lee Bollenbacher

Arnold Bollenbacher, age 87, of Bluffton, SC and formerly of Arlington, VA, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

Arnie was born December 24, 1934 to Herman and Amy Bollenbacher in Great Bend, KS. He was raised on the family farm where he helped with chores while attending school and developing a love for all things agriculture.

He later attended Kansas State University where he received a degree in Agricultural Economics. After graduating he joined the Army, serving 2 years.

After discharging from the Army, in 1958, Arnie began his career with the U.S. Census Bureau. He worked in increasingly responsible positions in the Agricultural Division and was awarded the Department’s Bronze Medal for innovative leadership in planning, processing and disseminating the 1978 Census of Agriculture. In May of 1980 he was promoted to Chief, Agricultural Division.

During his career he met and married Mabel Craig Main of Pittsburg, KS. Mabel was raising her 8-yearold nephew, Scott, and the three moved to Arlington, VA shortly after the wedding. Arnie and Mabel were married for 49 years, enjoying life in Arlington. They loved visiting with friends, family and coworkers. A highlight of the neighborhood was their annual Christmas party. They also enjoyed vacationing at their beach house in Sandbridge, VA.

Arnie retired in 1982. Arnie and Mabel enjoyed retirement by visiting friends and relatives and taking a trip around the world.

In 2002 they moved to Sun City Hilton Head where they spent many years enjoying life in South Carolina. Mabel passed away in 2012. Arnie continued to attend the Church of the Palms of Okatie and loved attending the Thursday morning Brother’s Bible study.

Arnie is proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Mabel, and his sister Marguerite Peel. He is survived by nephew Scott Bruna and wife Deborah and two grandsons Michael and Matthew, friend Hanne Robock, nieces Virginia Zeeb, Donna Klausmeier and Karla Berry, a nephew Larry Peel and sons Michael and Christopher. There will be a service at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 6 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton, SC 29909.  Inurnment at a later date:  Mount Olive Cemetery in Pittsburg, KS.