Donald L. Hollman, age 94, of Friendship, WI, passed away August 18, 2017, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin after a 2-year battle with cancer. His beloved wife, Margaret and loving family were by his side.
He was born in Friendship on March 5, 1923, the only child of Frank & Mela (Polivka) Hollman. He graduated from Adams-Friendship High School and joined the U.S. Airforce serving from 1942-1946.
While in the service he married the love of his life, Margaret Louise Lahm on December 5, 1945. After the war, he and Margaret moved to Badger Village where he commuted to the University of Wisconsin, Madison becoming an honorary member of Pi Alpha Delta Fraternity and receiving his Law degree in 1949.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Margaret; his 2 daughters Donnette (Steve Behar) of Delavan, Wisconsin, Connie (Robert Meyer) of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, 2 grandchildren Andrew Meyer (Lisa) of Arlington, Washington, and Amanda Meyer, Waukesha, Wisconsin. He is further survived by 2 great-grandchildren Jack Hollman Meyer and Cora Jean Meyer of Arlington, Washington.
Returning to Friendship after Law school Donald opened his own practice and became very involved in community service. He was instrumental in the 1957 Friendship Centennial helping to raise money to build the Adams County Memorial Hospital and served on the board for many years. Don enjoyed surveying land and one of the projects he was most proud of was his role in creating an alphabetical and numeric system to name the roads in Adams County. He further supported the community as District Attorney, Family Court Commissioner, Village Attorney for 35 years, President of the Quad County Bar for Green Lake, Columbia, Marquette and Adams County, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the American Legion for 70 years, earning the Red Cloud Congressional Medal of Honor. He was also a Mason and attained the title of Worshipful Master. Don enjoyed participating in various events for the Historical Society. You could see Don leading parades in Friendship for many years. As a Veteran, he participated in the Honor Guard as well as speaking to students at Memorial Day programs.
Never losing the love of flying he purchased his first 2-seater Piper Cub airplane and flew over his beloved Friendship on Sunday afternoons. With the help of the American Legion donating the land he worked tirelessly with them to build the airport. Little did he know how that would change his life. One airplane led to another which could increase his distance from home. Every summer would be an American History Lesson for the family. As a private pilot, he logged over 8,000 hours over the U.S., Central, and South America as well as Australia. There were friends made around the world that enriched his life and that led to 58 years of Don’s Christmas Books. He wanted to share his experiences with everyone.
Don & Margaret enjoyed cold Wisconsin winters in Tucson, Arizona for over 20 years. His grandchildren were his proudest accomplishment. His love for Andrew and Amanda was felt by all who knew him. He loved to take them hunting on “The Golden Ranch”, dig worms from the garden and fish in the lake, fly them around the country, or climb Friendship Mound and sit on Chimney Rock eating donuts. It was during these special times that he would reminisce about his childhood and shared his knowledge teaching life lessons and encouraging them to dream big.
Memorial services for both Donald & Margaret will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship. Rev. John K. Stake will officiate. Interment with military honors will be at the Mt. Repose Cemetery in Friendship. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A full obituary for Margaret will follow at a later date.
I knew Donald and Margret for a short time but there love of each other and their family will stay with me for a life time. My deepest sympathies to the family. Cherish your memories. Sue Buhr
Donnette and Connie and families so sorry to read about the loss of your parents. I still remember spending time at the Amercan Legion functions with my Dad and your Dad. I also remember going out where our Dads planted the trees that they sold and that your Dad bought back. When ever I ran into him when I was back home he always had time to talk.
Dear Donette and Connie and families, I am so sorry for your great loss. I’ve known your mom and dad since I was a teenager and always admired what fine, giving and caring people they were. Your dad was handsome, your mom pretty and it was obvious how much they loved one another and their kids.
More than any other couple I know, other than my own sister’s, they lived their lives to the fullest. They loved both of you girls and your families and spoke of you always with love and great pride.
I send you my sincere sympathy and pray your memories and their enduring love for you all gives you comfort.
Condolences to the family of a wonderful couple of people. I always considered Don as my brother’s best friend and saw him at many of our family events. They will be missed.
As you and Margaret reunited in heaven we are going to miss you. Such great couple we were honored to have know you. May God family and friends comfort your family
Donnette and Connie,
I didn’t see your Dad’s obituary until today, and wanted to again extend my deepest sympathy to both of you and your families. My first job was to work as a legal secretary in your Dad’s office, and I learned a lot in that job which propelled me further into my career. He was a wonderful man, and will be greatly missed.
It was a day much like this fall day when Don and I (Karen Church) drove around the Town of Lincoln finding all the old homesteads where his Grandparents Michael and Katherine Hollman, his father Frank, and brothers, Albert and James (Karen’s grandfather) lived in days long gone. What a wonderful afternoon of reminiscing for both of us! I will greatly miss cousin Don and Margaret. The family has our love and sympathy in their time of loss.
Thoughts and prayers
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He truly led a great life and gave back to Adams-Friendship. He was a friend and helped our parents alot. I remember at one Prom from High School that I won a silver dollar and a plane ride from him. Oh how excited my parents were too to be able to go on the ride. He took us pass our farm in Grand Marsh. And then showed me what to do if something happen to him. A great man that all will miss !
Donette, Connie and family—
I am so saddened to hear this news. Your parents played a big part in my childhood. I remember their cat Honey, the biggest house cat I have ever seen! Visiting their beautiful home. Your dad made me feel grown up by giving me a dollar to go to Zinke’s all by myself and buy Brach’s Royals candy for the office and Butterscotch discs for me because he knew they were my favorite. Reading your Christmas books, and looking forward to seeing the pictures from all of your trips. I remember your foreign exchange students, especially Annie (sp?) from Brazil—we were even pen pals for a while after she went home. Your parents were wonderful people. To my mom Don was not just a boss, but a true friend and second father. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Prayers for your family, as well.
Adams-Friendship has lost a citizen who truly loved his community. He showed this thru his many endeavors to make it a better place for all. My first job out of high school I had the pleasure of working for Don in the District Attorney’s office. It was here that I witnessed the many things he did for the betterment of Adams County. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for both your parents Donnette and Connie.
Don and Margaret will both be missed by our community. Our sympathy to the family for their loss.
Condolences Connie Donnett and family, always enjoyed my time with your family, they will be missed by all that knew them. Was lucky enough to spen some time with them at Moundview CC for the 50 th aniversary celebration.
So sorry for your loss…..Wonderful and kind friends….They made the community a better place . Prayers and hugs
So very sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed talking to both of them & their invites for socializing fridays at the hotel. Great man, great friend, loving person. He will be missed..