Francis Allen Holly

PORTAGE  --  Francis Allen Holly, aka “Holly”, age 83, was called to his eternal rest on Thursday, August 27, 2015.  The eldest child of Thelma Bennett, he was born on July 26, 1932 in Poynette, WI.  He was a graduate of Cambria High School, where he was a three-sport athlete and prom king, among other activities.  Upon graduation, Holly learned telegraphy and worked for the Chicago Northwest Railroad.  From 1952-56, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a radio operator on B-29s and KC-97s.  While stationed in California, his daughter Cathy was born.  Holly married Mary Jean Sheahan, with whom he had three children – Julie, David, and Robert.  For many years, Holly’s Barber and Sport Shop was a staple in Oxford, WI.  The business was sold in 1973 when Holly pursued an associate degree in electronics at Midstate Technical College.  He moved to Beaver Dam and soon became a dedicated state employee at Mendota Mental Health Institute in a leadership position.  In 1978, Holly married his best friend, Margaret Slovik, and resided in Waupun, Madison, and, upon their retirement from Mendota in 1997, in Portage, while snowbirding in Leesburg, Florida.

Holly was known, particularly by his children, as “Mr. Fix-It.”  Rivaling his repairing acumen were his skills at home plate as a catcher.  At age 18, he played for the city of Madison, where he was scouted for the Boston Red Sox, then went on to co-found the men’s softball league in Oxford in the 1960’s.  Fishing, playing cards, cooking, and traveling were additional passions throughout his life.  Holly was an active member of the Madison Moose Club and American Legion Post #481.  Gregarious, witty, honorable, and kindhearted, Holly never failed to lend an adept hand or listening ear.  But perhaps the most memorable way he nurtured others was by preparing delicious meals, especially legendary breakfasts and pot roasts.

Holly is survived by his children:  Cathy (Mark) Steele, San Diego, CA; Julie (George Schneck) Holly, Appleton; David Holly, Madison; Robert (Kyla) Holly, Madison; ; his stepchildren, Debra (David) Schnoebelen, Chicago; Robert (Brenda) Slovik, Chicago, James (Kristi) Slovik, Portage;  seven grandchildren;  and two great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his mother Thelma Williams; wife Margaret; sisters Patricia (Willard) Dobbratz and Barbara Kapal; two infant siblings; and grandson David J. Holly.

The Holly family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the entire staff at Heritage House for their compassion and patience throughout Dad’s need for care.  We would also like to extend sincere gratitude to Jim and Kristi Slovik for their tireless forbearance and attention to Dad for the past 3 years.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, September 10, 2015, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, 430 W. Wisconsin St., Portage, WI.  Visitation for friends will also be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Father Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Burial at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery will immediately follow, with the Portage Area Veteran’s Honor Guard conducting military rites.