Stephen Michael "Stump" Bollman

Stephen Michael "Stump" Bollman, 59, Mooresville, passed away in his home on March 6, 2017.

Born January 28, 1958 in Indianapolis, Stump graduated from Emmerich Manual High School, where he played football and managed to grow a beard by the time he was 16, no doubt using that to his advantage for buying beer. After high school, Stump went on to become a skilled tool and die maker, working at a number of local machine shops, including Hamblen Gage, Overton Tool and Die, and Olin Brass. He also worked part-time as a carpet installer on nights and weekends.

Despite his fondness for blaring Jimi Hendrix music and his “biker” appearance, Stump was a gentle and sensitive soul. He was patient, playful and always willing to provide a listening ear to those who needed it. He was a man of many talents – from cooking biscuits and gravy to fixing cars to helping with math homework. Regardless of the circumstances, he was never stressed or angry, and he met every challenge with calmness and a goofy sense of humor.

Stump had a well-known appetite for adventure, though not always the grace or coordination to match. Those who knew him can tell countless stories about his bizarre injuries and accidents. Broken bones from ice skating and snowball fights. His unsuccessful attempt to “ride” a grocery store shopping cart. The time he tried (and failed) to jump over the side of an above-ground swimming pool like an Olympic high jumper. As one family member put it, “He must have loved hospitals because he was always in one.”

Like his father before him, Stump was a member of the Midwest Motorcycle Club, the oldest motorcycle club in the state of Indiana. From his teenage years on, he spent countless hours involved with club activities. Whether riding his own motorcycle with club members, working a checkpoint at a bike rally or just swapping stories while watching a football game, Stump cherished the time spent at Midwest MC and enjoyed many lifelong friendships because of his involvement. Though medical issues slowed him down at far too young an age, Stump remained hopeful and was always looking forward to the next time he could take his motorcycle out for a long ride in the sun.

Stump is survived by his daughter, Amber Bollman (Bobbi Shamhart), grandsons Braylon and Memphis Bollman, stepmother Pam Bollman, stepfather Bob Sexton, siblings Greg (Jennifer) Bollman, Debbie Bollman Schlangen, Susan Amore, Cindy Young, Kim Bray and Mindy (Jerry) Hall, and a host of nieces and nephews who loved him like a father. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha (Brill) Sexton, his father Robert L. Bollman, and his son, Travis Bollman.

An informal celebration of Stump’s life will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Midwest Motorcycle Club, 3105 S. Harding Street, Indianapolis. Stump was notorious for always running late to everything, so rest assured that if you can’t make it until later, that’s OK. All are welcome.