James Bollhagen Obituary

Rev. Dr. James Gilbert Bollhagen, born March 30, 1945, entered into the arms of his loving Savior on February 26, 2026. Pastor Bollhagen is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, professor, and friend whose life has been marked by deep faith, generous love, and unwavering dedication to God's Word.

James was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Gilbert Edwin and Dorothy Marion (née Rohleder) Bollhagen. From early childhood, James displayed the humility, gentleness, and devotion that would become hallmarks of his lifelong ministry. As an infant James was adopted into God's family as His child through baptism at home, becoming a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. James publicly confessed his faith on his confirmation day at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 22, 1959. James married the love of his life, Carla Jean Albers, on June 14, 1969, and they remained lifelong, inseparable sweethearts. Jim and Carla were blessed with three children who now all serve the church, Gretchen as church office supervisor, Heidi as wife of a pastor, and Karl as a pastor and vicarage supervisor.

Answering God's call to serve the Church, James pursued theological education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where he earned his Master of Divinity (1971), Master of Sacred Theology (1983), and Doctor of Theology (1991). His deep love for Scripture and confessional Lutheran theology led him to the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he served as professor of exegetical theology from 1984 to 2001. At the seminary he taught Hebrew, Old Testament, homiletics, and practical theology, as well as fulfilling the roles of director of field education, director of vicarage, and director of final placement. In these roles, he shaped generations of pastors through his kind mentorship, thoughtful scholarship, and steadfast commitment to Christ-centered interpretation of the biblical text.

In addition to his academic work, James lovingly served congregations in Minnesota, Arizona, Illinois, South Carolina, and Florida, offering faithful preaching, compassionate pastoral care, and a steady presence through times of both joy and sorrow. His scholarly and pastoral gifts came together beautifully in his commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes, published in the Concordia Commentary Series-a work praised for its theological depth and pastoral warmth.

In his later years, James continued ministry as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, Florida, where his preaching, teaching, and kind-hearted leadership left lasting impressions on all who knew him.

More than his titles or achievements, James will be remembered for the love he poured into his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carla; his sister, Judith Fasting of West Allis, Wisconsin; and his children: Gretchen (Robert) Hollman of Shawnee, Kansas; Heidi (Daniel) Brammeier of Canton, Georgia; and Rev. Karl (Julie) Bollhagen of Hampton, Iowa.

His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Olivia (Zach) Ruschill, Sophia (Chris) Ord, Nathaniel Hollman, George (Emily) Brammeier, Charles Brammeier, Annie Rose Brammeier (fiancé Jeremiah), Peter, Grace, August, and Jonah Bollhagen.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Dorothy, his brother Alan, and several beloved preborn grandchildren.

Rev. Dr. Bollhagen will always be remembered for his warm smile, precocious humor as the "patriarch of shenanigans," gracious spirit, and steadfast love for his Savior. His influence lives on in the countless lives he has touched-his students, parishioners, colleagues, friends, and especially his family, who knew him not only as a wise teacher and pastor, but as a man of deep love, integrity, faith, and grace. James lived eighty years, ten months, and 27 days on earth and is alive in Christ forever.

The funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 7, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1123 Louisiana Avenue, St. Cloud, FL 34769. A visitation will take place 6-8pm on Friday, March 6, at Osceola Memory Gardens, 2000 13th Street, St Cloud, FL 34769. A committal will be held following the funeral at Mt. Peace Cemetery, East 10th Street and Crawford Ave, St Cloud, FL 34769.

To attend the service via livestream, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

https://boxcast.tv/view/a-service-of-hope-and-remembrance-for-rev-dr-james-g-bolhagen-kzi0t7qwmfjwhzznabhm?_gl=1*18sw8rs*_gcl_au*MjE5Njk5MjMuMTc3MTc4MDEwNS42ODMxMTYwNTEuMTc3MjMwNTUxOC4xNzcyMzA1NzIw*_ga*MTAzNDIzNTE2Ny4xNzYzOTE3Njg1*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*czE3NzIzMDU1MTYkbzUxJGcxJHQxNzcyMzA1NzE5JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..

Livestream for Rev. Dr. James G. Bollhagen

Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, Florida.