Obituary: Hollis Edward Herrell, Sr.

May 21, 1940 ~ March 13, 2023

Hollis Edward Herrell, Sr., 82, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, died Monday morning, March 13, 2023, at Pine Crest Village.

He was born May 21, 1940, in Onalaska, Wisconsin, the son of Francis Ehrlich Herrell and Dorothy Penn Herrell. Hollis grew up in Bloomer and graduated from Bloomer High School. He went on to study education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, following in his family’s calling of teaching. Hollis earned a Master’s from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

He initially taught and coached in Neilsville, Wisconsin. He went on to work for 31 years at Pewaukee High School in Pewaukee, Wisconsin as an English teacher, vice-principal, and principal. Hollis also coached the mighty girl’s track team during his time at Pewaukee. His calling for education extended through the summers by working with youth at summer camps – most notably Camp Phillips Boy Scout Camp and Camp Kawaga, both located in Wisconsin. Hollis retired as principal in 1997, ending a fulfilling career as a teacher, coach, and principal.      

He met Jan (Watts) Deming in 1991. They were united in marriage on November 28, 1992, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Hollis and Jan shared nearly 21 years of marriage. When Jan died on September 8, 2013, he moved  from Waukesha to Sturgeon Bay, to be closer to family.

As a young man, Hollis was an avid outdoorsman. He refined his skills to include woodworking in his later years. He was proud of his garage woodworking shop as he invested lots of money into the lumber industry trying to make Adirondack chairs and birdhouses for family, friends, and grandchildren. 

Hollis is missed by his sons, Hollis (Chris) Herrell, Jr., Mark (Dr. Dorene Dempster) Herrell, and stepson, David Foppe; grandchildren, Derek, Mark, and Samantha; as well as by his sister, Martha (David) Babbitt; his cousin, Peter (Jude) Herrell; and also by many nieces and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Dorothy Herrell; and wife, Jan.

Arrangements are pending for a celebration of Hollis’ life to be held in June of 2023. His final resting place will be in St. Peters Lutheran Cemetery outside of Cadott, next to his wife, his parents, and other families. The schedule of the celebration of life and interment will be announced once they’re determined. It is hoped that friends can join the family then to remember Hollis.

Memorials may be given in Hollis’ honor to St. John’s Lutheran Church – Youth/Teen Program in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

“Our family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Pine Crest Village for the wonderful and compassionate care given to our dad.”

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Herrell family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Hollis may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.