Obituary
Steven William Hollis
Steven William Hollis, 69, of Galesville, WI peacefully went home to God on Sunday, May 3, 2020. He was born in La Crosse on September 20,1950 to William “George” and Marilyn Hollis. He was the first of their five children. He grew up on their farm in rural Holmen and graduated from Holmen High School in 1969. It was with his father that Steve learned the masonry trade and would become his lifelong passion. He developed his skills at his father’s business, Hollis Construction, in Holmen, WI. He went on to become a foreman for a large construction company in Kissimmee, Florida from 1985—1998. He led large hotel projects such as the Swan and the Dolphin, which still stand today. When he returned to Mindoro, WI he owned his own business, Steve’s Masonry, before semi-retiring and continuing to do work for other construction companies in the area. His beautiful and artistic stonework can be seen throughout the coulee region in countless homes including interior fireplaces and exterior.
On May 12, 1985 Steve decided to get right with his life and the Lord. It was on this Mother’s Day that he entered into Sobriety. It is because of this decision that Steve lead a life of compassion, dedication, and love. This was one of his most important lifetime accomplishments and he shared his knowledge and continued to serve by helping others choose the same path. He is survived by two children, Hollie (Jason) Gust of Barneveld, WI and Chad Hollis of La Crosse, WI. His grandchildren Mark, Cyrus and Louis Clark, and Morgan and Ryan Gust. They were his world, which is clear as you look around his home at the photos displayed. They will always remember his endless supplies of treats, chocolate milk, and Pleasoning when he would arrive for a long stay at their home. Bear, his grand pup, won’t forget his cheerful voice, plentiful rubs and probably a treat or two.
When he wasn’t visiting grandchildren or children you could find Steve at a local establishment enjoying a soda and conversations with people. He loved talking to people and genuinely enjoyed their company. He might even be engaged in a card game or two. He enjoyed live music and dancing and a competitive game of Cribbage. He was an avid hunter and took pleasure in fishing once in a while. At home you could find him watching an old western on tv, or cheering for a sports team. He was proud of the local high school sports teams as they made their way to the state championship games and watched every minute of the games aired on television. He couldn’t get enough of his Badgers and Packers. On a quiet afternoon or evening he could be found trying to beat the next level of Candy Crush. Even in retirement, he never could quite put down his trowel and enjoyed taking on an occasional project.
Steve is survived by his sisters Karen (John) Swenson of North Bend, WI and Carolyn Hegge of Holmen, WI, one brother John (Kim) Hollis of Winter, WI, his nephews Joe (Lorie) Bonilla, Josh (Katie) Swenson, Jason (Sue) Martin, Brandon (Stephanie) Hollis and nieces Vanessa Hegge, Coleen (Jerrod) Johnson, and Jessica Kane, and several great nieces and great nephews.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Diane Kane, and one grandson Lazarus Pheonix Clark.
His can-do attitude, zest for life, and willingness to help a friend or family member in need will be missed. His family would like everyone to know that they will be holding a celebration of Steve’s life at a later date when we can all gather again.
He was a great man! He will be surely missed.
So sad to see Steves passing. He was a friend in school. We played football together as defensive ends. It was always a challenge between us to see who would get to the quarterback first. He was liked by all and will be missed. Classmate
On May 3, 2020 we lost a light on this earth. Steven W. Hollis was a loving father, dedicated grandfather, and loyal family man. His charisma, laughter, work ethic, stories, and love is greatly missed. We will be holding a memorial to celebrate his life on what would have been his 70th birthday- September 20, 2020 starting at 11:00 am- 2:00pm. Please join family and friends for a luncheon at the Mindoro Lions Club in Mindoro, Wi on this date to remember Steve and honor his legacy. We ask that you bring your fondest memories of him to share with us. AND PLEASE tell other family members, friends, and co-workers that are not on Facebook or feel free to share this invite with them if they are your friends. Thank you, Hollie and Chad
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
On May 3, 2020 we lost a light on this earth. Steven W. Hollis was a loving father, dedicated grandfather, and loyal family man. His charisma, laughter, work ethic, stories, and love is greatly missed. We will be holding a memorial to celebrate his life on what would have been his 70th birthday- September 20, 2020 starting at 11:00 am- 2:00pm. Please join family and friends for a luncheon at the Mindoro Lions Club in Mindoro, Wi on this date to remember Steve and honor his legacy. We ask that you bring your fondest memories of him to share with us. AND PLEASE tell other family members, friends, and co-workers that are not on Facebook or feel free to share this invite with them if they are your friends. Thank you, Hollie and Chad
Live and hugs to all from cousin Debby in Oklahoma. I will be praying for your peace
I am very saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. He was always so very nice to me and my parents. Sending prayers to his family.
On May 3, 2020 we lost a light on this earth. Steven W. Hollis was a loving father, dedicated grandfather, and loyal family man. His charisma, laughter, work ethic, stories, and love is greatly missed. We will be holding a memorial to celebrate his life on what would have been his 70th birthday- September 20, 2020 starting at 11:00 am- 2:00pm. Please join family and friends for a luncheon at the Mindoro Lions Club in Mindoro, Wi on this date to remember Steve and honor his legacy. We ask that you bring your fondest memories of him to share with us. AND PLEASE tell other family members, friends, and co-workers that are not on Facebook or feel free to share this invite with them if they are your friends. Thank you, Hollie and Chad
Hollie and Chad. That’s the most beautiful obituary I ever heard. Love yous.WOW!
Hey Big guy. How I would love to just have another conversation with you. I would would want to tell you how grateful I am for creating so many memories. Allowing me to marry your beautiful daughter Hollie. For allowing me to spend time alone with her while you spent time with the children. Always wondering if it was a fair trade or if you would come back. You were always there. We never had to worry. We may have (always) butted heads over projects I was doing, cause you always wanted to do what you believed was the right way. Steve I have so many more projects. How I will truly yearn for you to be there. I am wiser now. You taught me so much. I wont tell anyone. I will only them how we fought. Never letting them know how hard you worked for us. Your daughter always told me no more new houses. With all the beautiful masonry you did for us, you have enshrined your memory and guaranteed we will never move and leave behind your creations. Those fireplaces will keep us warm forever. Hunting was given a new meaning. Your tireless hours of chopping up the bounty. Retiring from hunting to allow us to enjoy our quest for the big one. I have now inherited a few of your tools. I plan to knock the rust off them soon. I promise to honor and cherish them as they should be. I want to say this to all. I hope to be loved and missed as much as you are. I am sorry it took me so long to realize how special and great you are. I will never forget. I will always honor and defend the family you have left me. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. Thank you for everything. Your son-in-law.
I’m now so happy that I got to have a long visit with Steve at our last year’s class reunion. Very good man for the family to be proud of and look up to. You have my sincere sympathy and may god be with you all in your time of sorrow.
My sympathies are extended to Steve’s family. Losing another classmate makes one realize to love each day and keep your spiritual bags packed. God bless you Steve , rest peacefully!
It is sad day, Steve was one of a kind, loved the gruff ol Hollice on the job site, he was always very animated and loved to yap, but to really know him, he was a very caring, willing, helpful, friendly guy.. He loved his children and grandchildren and given the chance, would tell you about an entire visit ?.. He truly will be missed by those that know him best, and his work will be a shrine to his memory for years and years to come.
Arlen and I send our love and we are praying for you all . Steve was a fun and loving man and will be greatly missed! Sincerely Arlen and Kathy Stumlin
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the passing of your Dad. Had many conversations with Steve at Cindy’s in Mindoro. He was so proud of all of you!! Sincerely, Mark & Jill Schlifer.
So sorry for your loss. I remember him very well as my dad use to work with him n his dad. Our family spent a lot of time with your family. Sam n Shirley Olson
So sorry for your loss, I got to know Steve from when he came into Cindy’s. Poured him many cups of coffee and had many conversions with him!
I had the pleasure of working for the Hollis family in the 70s .there aunt barb used to be our baby sitter also they were very nice people rip steve there is plenty of things to build in heaven with your talent my friend
So long old friend ,it was good working with you and your family many years ago.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad, sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family through this difficult time, may be Rest In Peace and always watch over you.