Eleanor L. Holman

Ellie passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 30, 2024, after reaching the remarkable age of 100 years. She lived a full, rich life. Ellie was born in Chicago, Il to Eugene and Dorothy Runyan. She graduated from Chicago Teachers College and later earned her Masters Degree from UW Oshkosh. She married BJ Holman in 1946 and moved to Fond du Lac. She taught at Rosenow Elementary school for 25 years beginning in the 1960’s when most women and mothers of that time did not work outside of the home. Ellie and BJ purchased a small cottage on Berry Lake in 1953. That legacy continues when she gifted the cottage to her son John so that the Holman family can continue to enjoy this idyllic lakeside cabin, now into the fourth generation. BJ and Ellie had a grand circle of friends including their biking, skiing, card, theater and canoeing groups. She was an excellent hostess and enjoyed entertaining. After retiring, she and BJ traveled the world. They visited Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, China, South America, Bora Bora, and many countries in Europe. In 1993 BJ and Ellie invested in a condo at Bird Bay Village in Venice, Florida. Unfortunately, BJ passed away in 1994, but Ellie continued to spend winters at the Bird Bay condo where she enjoyed sunshine and warmth with the many friends she made. In 2018 at the age of 94, she gifted the condo to her daughter Linda. Like Berry Lake, Bird Bay Village is part of her legacy. She was also involved in volunteering. She took pictures of newborn babies at St. Agnes hospital and served as a guide at the Galloway House in Fond du Lac and at Spanish Point in Florida. With her teacher background, she was one of the few volunteers who would take school groups and keep them in line. Ellie was fortunate to meet and marry Wayne Olson in 2000. She continued her travels with Wayne, going to France where Wayne had served in Normandy during WW2. They enjoyed cruises to many destinations including Alaska and the Caribbean. Wayne passed away in 2014. Ellie loved playing cards and was an ace bridge player. She played golf into her 80’s and was able to boast about 2 holes in one. She enjoyed reading, knitting and theater as well. She lived in her own home until the age of 98 at which time she entered assisted living, Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and both husbands. She is survived by her brother Martin Runyan of Sarasota Bradenton, Florida, and her children John (Sigrid) Holman of Fond du Lac, WI and Linda (Jim) Krohelski of Mosinee, WI. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Michael (Leslie) Hass of Fort Collins, CO, Allison Reynolds of Houston, TX, Erik (Vasilena) Holman of Milwaukee, WI and Blake (Anna) Holman of South Bend, IN. She cherished her four great grandchildren as well. Cora Hass, Nadia and Nina Holman and Aldo Holman-Martinez. We will greatly miss her grace and charm, her kind and wise words and her love for her family. Ellie gave to many charities, but her favorite was St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. At her request, there will be no formal service.

Eleanor L. Holman

March 25, 1924 - June 30, 2024