Eugene F. "Geno" Holly, 85, passed away Friday, December 14, 2018 surrounded by his loving wife Evelyn, all of his children, and many grandchildren. He left our hands peacefully in the home he was proud to say he built for his wife, in Shoto, Wisconsin.
Geno was born in Shoto on November 1, 1933 to Joseph and Lillian (Kolicek) Holly. He graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1951 and married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Gacek (known to family as St. Evelyn) on June 28th, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake, WI.
He and Evelyn returned to Shoto, and started Shoto Woodworking, later Shoto Fixture and Supply where, as devoted partners in marriage and business they built the Company now known as Shoto Corporation, today operated by their children and grandchildren. He also owned and operated River Falls Supper Club in "Downtown Shoto" until his retirement in 1998.
Geno spent many years on the road designing custom fixtures for bowling alleys, supper clubs, taverns and restaurants . With family and loyal employees by his side, collectively their commitment created a reputation of being one of the finest bar builders in the Midwest . Once installed he was most proud to take his place "on the bubble" at the bar, time and time again, patronizing his satisfied customers.
In rare moments of relaxation Geno could be found hunting in the woods, fishing in the trout stream, or golfing at the Manitowoc Elks Club where he was a member for many years. He also loved his time with family and friends at Boulder Lake, Wisconsin, dining at local establishments and playing golf at McCauslin Brook in Lakewood.
He might also have been found on a snowmobile with the "Shoto River Riders" a club he co-founded, or at the Shoto Conservation Club where he supported the efforts of his fellow sportsmen.
In retirement Geno and Evey spent most of their time at their home in Las Vegas, Nevada where Geno swore that the dry air was the cure for his aching bones. Indeed, the air in the Keno lounge of the Sands was dry but the truth is that his beautiful, self designed swimming pool, was the cure and he found great joy, and more importantly, relief, by making use of it daily.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn, and his five children and their spouses all residing in Wisconsin: Sharon Holly of Shoto, Francis and Dawn Holly of Manitowoc, Michael and Debra Holly of Shoto, Sandra and Walt Larson of Lakewood, and Janel and Phil Maples of Manitowoc. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Courtney Holly (special friend, Ken); Christopher (Brian) Holly, Adam (Jackie) Holly, and Derek (Ashley) Holly; Jason (Angie) Lettenberger, Justin (Marquel) Lettenberger and Jada (Chris) Peterson; and Bryanna (Max) Ashenbrener, Lexie Mertens and William Maples, one step grandson, David Larson, and by 14 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by three sisters-in-law, Betty Holly, Emily Niggemann and Gladys Matyka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and their spouses: Paul and Eulalia Holly; Ellen (Holly) and Hillary Sconzert; Donald and Marie Holly, Dorothy (Holly) and William Wester, and Robert Krause.
He was a lover of great cooking, particularly his own, and could often be found in the kitchen experimenting with some new dish. Anniversary callers would often get a savory report from Evey on the fine meal Geno had made for the two of them. He cooked with panache and flair, big and bold (and the floor, walls and ceiling of the kitchen often reflected it). He developed his own proprietary seasoning salt, a favorite in the family. Those who cooked for him often found that in his opinion, (which he was generous to share), their cooking only lacked one thing…his seasoning salt.
To those who knew him at his finest, they will remember a charismatic presence who illuminated a room and whistled happily through work and life. He was a larger than life character, who leaves a large shadow behind. He worked hard, played hard, laughed hard and loved hard and was loved so very well, in return.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Daniel Felton. Cremation has occurred at The All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc, and entombment of his cremated remains will occur at Knollwood Mausoleum, town of Kossuth.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 25th, 2019 at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, Manitowoc, where a prayer service will conclude the visitation. The family will also greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc.
The family expresses its sincere thanks to the caring staffs of Holy Family Memorial, Felician Village, Home Care Health Services, Shady Lane, and to Geno's caregiver, Dina Williams.
Geno was born in Shoto on November 1, 1933 to Joseph and Lillian (Kolicek) Holly. He graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1951 and married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Gacek (known to family as St. Evelyn) on June 28th, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake, WI.
He and Evelyn returned to Shoto, and started Shoto Woodworking, later Shoto Fixture and Supply where, as devoted partners in marriage and business they built the Company now known as Shoto Corporation, today operated by their children and grandchildren. He also owned and operated River Falls Supper Club in "Downtown Shoto" until his retirement in 1998.
Geno spent many years on the road designing custom fixtures for bowling alleys, supper clubs, taverns and restaurants . With family and loyal employees by his side, collectively their commitment created a reputation of being one of the finest bar builders in the Midwest . Once installed he was most proud to take his place "on the bubble" at the bar, time and time again, patronizing his satisfied customers.
In rare moments of relaxation Geno could be found hunting in the woods, fishing in the trout stream, or golfing at the Manitowoc Elks Club where he was a member for many years. He also loved his time with family and friends at Boulder Lake, Wisconsin, dining at local establishments and playing golf at McCauslin Brook in Lakewood.
He might also have been found on a snowmobile with the "Shoto River Riders" a club he co-founded, or at the Shoto Conservation Club where he supported the efforts of his fellow sportsmen.
In retirement Geno and Evey spent most of their time at their home in Las Vegas, Nevada where Geno swore that the dry air was the cure for his aching bones. Indeed, the air in the Keno lounge of the Sands was dry but the truth is that his beautiful, self designed swimming pool, was the cure and he found great joy, and more importantly, relief, by making use of it daily.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn, and his five children and their spouses all residing in Wisconsin: Sharon Holly of Shoto, Francis and Dawn Holly of Manitowoc, Michael and Debra Holly of Shoto, Sandra and Walt Larson of Lakewood, and Janel and Phil Maples of Manitowoc. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Courtney Holly (special friend, Ken); Christopher (Brian) Holly, Adam (Jackie) Holly, and Derek (Ashley) Holly; Jason (Angie) Lettenberger, Justin (Marquel) Lettenberger and Jada (Chris) Peterson; and Bryanna (Max) Ashenbrener, Lexie Mertens and William Maples, one step grandson, David Larson, and by 14 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by three sisters-in-law, Betty Holly, Emily Niggemann and Gladys Matyka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and their spouses: Paul and Eulalia Holly; Ellen (Holly) and Hillary Sconzert; Donald and Marie Holly, Dorothy (Holly) and William Wester, and Robert Krause.
He was a lover of great cooking, particularly his own, and could often be found in the kitchen experimenting with some new dish. Anniversary callers would often get a savory report from Evey on the fine meal Geno had made for the two of them. He cooked with panache and flair, big and bold (and the floor, walls and ceiling of the kitchen often reflected it). He developed his own proprietary seasoning salt, a favorite in the family. Those who cooked for him often found that in his opinion, (which he was generous to share), their cooking only lacked one thing…his seasoning salt.
To those who knew him at his finest, they will remember a charismatic presence who illuminated a room and whistled happily through work and life. He was a larger than life character, who leaves a large shadow behind. He worked hard, played hard, laughed hard and loved hard and was loved so very well, in return.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Daniel Felton. Cremation has occurred at The All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc, and entombment of his cremated remains will occur at Knollwood Mausoleum, town of Kossuth.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 25th, 2019 at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, Manitowoc, where a prayer service will conclude the visitation. The family will also greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc.
The family expresses its sincere thanks to the caring staffs of Holy Family Memorial, Felician Village, Home Care Health Services, Shady Lane, and to Geno's caregiver, Dina Williams.
Eugene F. "Geno" Holly, 85, passed away Friday, December 14, 2018 surrounded by his loving wife Evelyn, all of his children, and many grandchildren. He left our hands peacefully in the home he was proud to say he built for his wife, in Shoto, Wisconsin.
Geno was born in Shoto on November 1, 1933 to Joseph and Lillian (Kolicek) Holly. He graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1951 and married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Gacek (known to family as St. Evelyn) on June 28th, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake, WI.
He and Evelyn returned to Shoto, and started Shoto Woodworking, later Shoto Fixture and Supply where, as devoted partners in marriage and business they built the Company now known as Shoto Corporation, today operated by their children and grandchildren. He also owned and operated River Falls Supper Club in "Downtown Shoto" until his retirement in 1998.
Geno spent many years on the road designing custom fixtures for bowling alleys, supper clubs, taverns and restaurants . With family and loyal employees by his side, collectively their commitment created a reputation of being one of the finest bar builders in the Midwest . Once installed he was most proud to take his place "on the bubble" at the bar, time and time again, patronizing his satisfied customers.
In rare moments of relaxation Geno could be found hunting in the woods, fishing in the trout stream, or golfing at the Manitowoc Elks Club where he was a member for many years. He also loved his time with family and friends at Boulder Lake, Wisconsin, dining at local establishments and playing golf at McCauslin Brook in Lakewood.
He might also have been found on a snowmobile with the "Shoto River Riders" a club he co-founded, or at the Shoto Conservation Club where he supported the efforts of his fellow sportsmen.
In retirement Geno and Evey spent most of their time at their home in Las Vegas, Nevada where Geno swore that the dry air was the cure for his aching bones. Indeed, the air in the Keno lounge of the Sands was dry but the truth is that his beautiful, self designed swimming pool, was the cure and he found great joy, and more importantly, relief, by making use of it daily.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn, and his five children and their spouses all residing in Wisconsin: Sharon Holly of Shoto, Francis and Dawn Holly of Manitowoc, Michael and Debra Holly of Shoto, Sandra and Walt Larson of Lakewood, and Janel and Phil Maples of Manitowoc. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Courtney Holly (special friend, Ken); Christopher (Brian) Holly, Adam (Jackie) Holly, and Derek (Ashley) Holly; Jason (Angie) Lettenberger, Justin (Marquel) Lettenberger and Jada (Chris) Peterson; and Bryanna (Max) Ashenbrener, Lexie Mertens and William Maples, one step grandson, David Larson, and by 14 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by three sisters-in-law, Betty Holly, Emily Niggemann and Gladys Matyka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and their spouses: Paul and Eulalia Holly; Ellen (Holly) and Hillary Sconzert; Donald and Marie Holly, Dorothy (Holly) and William Wester, and Robert Krause.
He was a lover of great cooking, particularly his own, and could often be found in the kitchen experimenting with some new dish. Anniversary callers would often get a savory report from Evey on the fine meal Geno had made for the two of them. He cooked with panache and flair, big and bold (and the floor, walls and ceiling of the kitchen often reflected it). He developed his own proprietary seasoning salt, a favorite in the family. Those who cooked for him often found that in his opinion, (which he was generous to share), their cooking only lacked one thing…his seasoning salt.
To those who knew him at his finest, they will remember a charismatic presence who illuminated a room and whistled happily through work and life. He was a larger than life character, who leaves a large shadow behind. He worked hard, played hard, laughed hard and loved hard and was loved so very well, in return.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Daniel Felton. Cremation has occurred at The All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc, and entombment of his cremated remains will occur at Knollwood Mausoleum, town of Kossuth.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 25th, 2019 at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, Manitowoc, where a prayer service will conclude the visitation. The family will also greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc.
The family expresses its sincere thanks to the caring staffs of Holy Family Memorial, Felician Village, Home Care Health Services, Shady Lane, and to Geno's caregiver, Dina Williams.
Geno was born in Shoto on November 1, 1933 to Joseph and Lillian (Kolicek) Holly. He graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1951 and married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Gacek (known to family as St. Evelyn) on June 28th, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake, WI.
He and Evelyn returned to Shoto, and started Shoto Woodworking, later Shoto Fixture and Supply where, as devoted partners in marriage and business they built the Company now known as Shoto Corporation, today operated by their children and grandchildren. He also owned and operated River Falls Supper Club in "Downtown Shoto" until his retirement in 1998.
Geno spent many years on the road designing custom fixtures for bowling alleys, supper clubs, taverns and restaurants . With family and loyal employees by his side, collectively their commitment created a reputation of being one of the finest bar builders in the Midwest . Once installed he was most proud to take his place "on the bubble" at the bar, time and time again, patronizing his satisfied customers.
In rare moments of relaxation Geno could be found hunting in the woods, fishing in the trout stream, or golfing at the Manitowoc Elks Club where he was a member for many years. He also loved his time with family and friends at Boulder Lake, Wisconsin, dining at local establishments and playing golf at McCauslin Brook in Lakewood.
He might also have been found on a snowmobile with the "Shoto River Riders" a club he co-founded, or at the Shoto Conservation Club where he supported the efforts of his fellow sportsmen.
In retirement Geno and Evey spent most of their time at their home in Las Vegas, Nevada where Geno swore that the dry air was the cure for his aching bones. Indeed, the air in the Keno lounge of the Sands was dry but the truth is that his beautiful, self designed swimming pool, was the cure and he found great joy, and more importantly, relief, by making use of it daily.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn, and his five children and their spouses all residing in Wisconsin: Sharon Holly of Shoto, Francis and Dawn Holly of Manitowoc, Michael and Debra Holly of Shoto, Sandra and Walt Larson of Lakewood, and Janel and Phil Maples of Manitowoc. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Courtney Holly (special friend, Ken); Christopher (Brian) Holly, Adam (Jackie) Holly, and Derek (Ashley) Holly; Jason (Angie) Lettenberger, Justin (Marquel) Lettenberger and Jada (Chris) Peterson; and Bryanna (Max) Ashenbrener, Lexie Mertens and William Maples, one step grandson, David Larson, and by 14 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by three sisters-in-law, Betty Holly, Emily Niggemann and Gladys Matyka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and their spouses: Paul and Eulalia Holly; Ellen (Holly) and Hillary Sconzert; Donald and Marie Holly, Dorothy (Holly) and William Wester, and Robert Krause.
He was a lover of great cooking, particularly his own, and could often be found in the kitchen experimenting with some new dish. Anniversary callers would often get a savory report from Evey on the fine meal Geno had made for the two of them. He cooked with panache and flair, big and bold (and the floor, walls and ceiling of the kitchen often reflected it). He developed his own proprietary seasoning salt, a favorite in the family. Those who cooked for him often found that in his opinion, (which he was generous to share), their cooking only lacked one thing…his seasoning salt.
To those who knew him at his finest, they will remember a charismatic presence who illuminated a room and whistled happily through work and life. He was a larger than life character, who leaves a large shadow behind. He worked hard, played hard, laughed hard and loved hard and was loved so very well, in return.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Daniel Felton. Cremation has occurred at The All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc, and entombment of his cremated remains will occur at Knollwood Mausoleum, town of Kossuth.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 25th, 2019 at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, Manitowoc, where a prayer service will conclude the visitation. The family will also greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc.
The family expresses its sincere thanks to the caring staffs of Holy Family Memorial, Felician Village, Home Care Health Services, Shady Lane, and to Geno's caregiver, Dina Williams.
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