Gerald
Holman
Gerald A. Holman
Jerry, devoted husband of his high school sweetheart Dorothy, passes away on Friday March 14, 2025, at age 97. Their love story would have celebrated a 77th wedding anniversary on September, 11.
Jerry was the father of (4) Carol, Peter (Stephanie) Holman, Thomas (Julianna) Holman, Sandra (Michael) Falk. Grandfather of (12) Casey (Mike), Nicholas, Michael (Isis), Patrick (Ryan), Elissa, Nathanael (Kendra), Brian (Brittany), Trinity (Katie), Stephanie, Nathan (Tori), Matthew (Katie), and Ashley (Ramin). Great grandfather of(2) Felix and Lea. Preceded in death by his loving daughter Carol Holman/Jones, his grandson Nicholas, his brother Jack (Ellie) and his parents Bert and Bernice.
Jerry and Dottie were raised in Fond du Lac. Jerry’s dad owned Bonita Candy and later a Standard Gas Station which influenced Jerry’s life time love of candy and cars. Jerry joined the Navy out of High School and served 4 years where he participated in the nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands in 1946. He returned home to marry Dottie September 11, 1948 and moved to Menomonee WI to attend UW Stout on a VA Scholarship. In Menomonee they welcomed their first child Carol, on December 24, 1951 and earned a degree in teaching in 1952.
After graduating college Jerry taught electronics at Boys Tech in Milwaukee and moved his family to what is now Historic Greendale. They built their first home and raised 4 children, numerous pets and any wildlife the kids would bring home. As a young family they graced the pages of the Milwaukee Journal Home Section with their custom-built passive solar home, beautiful landscaping with boulders found on the property and a big vegetable garden in the giant back yard. Here the children all have fond memories of helping Dad with a host of projects, he was a jack of all trades. He restored old cars, fixed his kids old cars, was the neighborhood handyman and even build a harpsicord because he enjoyed the challenge. Dad was “Holman Homes” “Quality At Our Leisure”, he built many homes, cabins, garages, etc. and he built the old fashion way, hammer and nails!
Jerry and Dottie loved traveling; while teaching he took his family on many camping adventures collecting state decals to decorate the side window of the station wagon. As the children got older, he would take them to the north woods to spend time on 80 acres of woods and wetland and then moved to Lake Arrowhead in Rome WI to build a lake home were he would take the kids and grandkids tubing and waterskiing. This was the gathering place for many years. Jerry and Dottie loved motor coaching, they took the grand kids on vacations and would travel back and forth to Texas. They enjoyed the warm Texas winters, playing games from Sheepshead to dominos, and made many great friends over the years. In 2012 they went from snowbirds to full time Texans building a house in Port Isabel at Long Island village. Then in 2017 age 90 they enjoyed the hospitality of their daughter Carol and built a new home in her Grapefruit/Citrus orchard. Jerry enjoyed walking the dog and picking fresh fruit for his bride. In 2023 they were called back to WI to be closer to family.
Jerry loved his dogs, always out for a walk, chatting with the neighbors. Even if folks didn’t know his name they knew the guy with the dog! Up to his last day he was still the socialite out for a walk with an easy smile for everyone. His friendly personality, quick wit, and love of teaching will be missed by many.
Gerald and Dorothy moved into Three Pillars independent living a few months ago as our neighbors across the hall. We didn’t see each other real often, but they were always very welcoming, friendly couple. We will miss Gerald very much.