Markus Bolliger

Markus Bolliger, 92, of Boiling Springs, SC, died on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Spartanburg Medical Center. He was born May 4, 1930, in Winterthur, Switzerland, to the late Max Heinrich Rudolf and Sarah Maria Elisabeth Bolliger-Winzeler.

Markus earned two Bachelors of Science degrees in business administration and textile manufacturing in Switzerland. He also attended several courses through the American Management Association. He attained the rank of Captain while serving in the Swiss Army.

He was married to his beloved Erika Hedi Bolliger-Altorfer for over 53 years. Hedi died in 2013.

In 1960, the Bolligers came to New York. In December 1962, they moved to Spartanburg. Markus served as vice president of Sulzer Bros., vice president of H. J. Theiler Corp. and president and chairman of Bolliger Corporation. Markus and Hedi became U.S. citizens in 1972.

Joining First Presbyterian Church in 1965, Markus devoted himself to the life of the church. He served as a deacon and an elder, made five mission trips to the Dominican Republic, led the Boy Scout Troop 2 advisory committee for some 10 years, and was the construction coordinator for three Habitat for Humanity houses sponsored by the church.

Markus was an enthusiastic member of Rotary International for over 50 years and a charter member of the North Spartanburg Rotary Club in 1966. He was the first president of the Swiss American Society of the Piedmont. Markus served on boards for Habitat, the Salvation Army and the Charles Lea Center Foundation.

Markus was honored many times in his life as a volunteer and in service to Rotary. In 1971 he was presented the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest award by then-Governor John C. West, for his success in attracting European Companies to invest and locate in the Upstate.

Markus is survived by his son Stephan Max Bolliger. Markus so appreciated Stephan’s most loving and dedicated support, especially since Hedi’s death.

Markus was predeceased by his son Christian Markus Bolliger, his sister Sarah Maria Elisabeth Bolliger, his brother and sister-in-law Max Wilhelm Bolliger-Hafner and Gertrud Bolliger-Hafner.

Also surviving is Christian’s wife, Tammy E. Grigg Painter Bolliger.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 – 10:45 am on Friday, June 24, 2022, in the Perrin Room at First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. A service of Witness to the Resurrection will follow at 11:00 am in the church, conducted by the Rev. Joanne Hull, the Rev. Ansley Page and Mr. Holt Andrews. The committal in the Church Columbarium will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or Boys Farm, Inc., P.O. Box 713, Newberry, SC 29108.

The family will be at the son’s home.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel