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William J. Hollihan

June 4, 1930 - November 26, 2008

William J. Hollihan, age 78, of Beaver Dam, died Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Golden Living Center in Beaver Dam.

Visitation for Bill will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Monday, December 1, 2008 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 in Beaver Dam will meet at the funeral home at 6:00 PM to pay their respects as a group. Visitation will also be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral service will follow, beginning at 11:00 AM. John Burgbacher will officiate. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens in the Town of Trenton, Dodge County, Wisconsin where the John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 will provide military honors.

William Joseph Hollihan was born June 4, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Patrick and Teckla (Geschel) Hollihan. On July 14, 1952, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Voegeli. Bill served in the US Army from 1949 to 1950 and in the US Army Reserves from 1950 to 1982. He was a long-time employee of Kraft Foods in Beaver Dam and he served as an 11th Ward Alderman on the Beaver Dam Common Council. . In 1982, Bill left Kraft and became a full-time civilian employee at the Army Reserve Center in Beaver Dam until 1990. In his mid to late 40”s, Bill took-up running and fell in love with it. Running energized him and changed his outlook on life. He ran in marathons all over the country including the Boston Marathon on several occasions. Bill was a member of the John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 in Beaver Dam where he served as Past Commander and he was a member of the 40/8 Dodge County Voiture Locale #856.

Survivors include his wife Mary Hollihan of Beaver Dam, his sister, Patricia (Russell) Roberts of Oshkosh, three brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made on our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Service Details

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008, 11:00am

Interment Details

Highland Memory Gardens-Beaver Dam

Events
There are no events scheduled.

William J. Hollihan, age 78, of Beaver Dam, died Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Golden Living Center in Beaver Dam. Visitation for Bill will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Monday, December 1, 2008 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 in BeaverContinue Reading

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Ann DeHaeseleer left a message on December 1, 2008:
Aunt Mary, I send my deepest sympathies to you. I was looking so forward to spending time with you and Uncle Bill in the coming months and making up for the time lost. I love you and my thoughts and love are with you today and always Your niece Ann (Annie)
Jane Moser Cox and Dave Cox left a message on December 1, 2008:
Bill was our friend and we shall truly miss him. Bill was a gentleman and a gentle man. We met Bill through running, but his friendship transcended onto a personal level that was fulfilling for both us. He was a funny, vivacious man who lived life with gusto and a wonderful spirit. His legacy will live on through all of his friends and family who were fortunate enough to know him. Lace up your running shoes in heaven and enjoy your journey there, Bill! Our love, Jane and Dave
Evonne Koeppen left a message on December 1, 2008:
The Beaver Dam Senior Center has lost a marvelous volunteer and the Recreation programs and Parks have lost a champion and supporter. Bill will be genuinely missed by everyone in our department, we all knew and enjoyed him very much. Our Bingo program won''t be the same and we''ll think of him often when we hand out cars at the holiday parade. Mary, we''re your friends forever. We hope you decide to visit often with us, have lunch, come and share our company and let us enjoy your presence as well. God speed Bill - you''re running with the angels now, hope they can keep up!
Cathy Zillmer left a message on December 1, 2008:
Mrs. Hollihan It was with great sadness that I read about Bill or "Grandfather" as I knew him from his Fort McCoy days. I had the great opportunity to work with him for many years. That guy could always put a smile on everyones face and his sense of humor never ended. After his retirement paths seem to never cross until one day in Wisconsin Dells I ran into him at an American Legion conference and to no surprise he was the same great guy and still doing marathons. What a special person. My sincere sympathies are with you and your family. Cathy Zillmer
Ann DeHaeseleer left a message on December 1, 2008:
Aunt Mary, I send my deepest sympathies to you. I was looking so forward to spending time with you and Uncle Bill in the coming months and making up for the time lost. I love you and my thoughts and love are with you today and always Your niece Ann (Annie)
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jane Moser Cox and Dave Cox left a message on December 1, 2008:
Bill was our friend and we shall truly miss him. Bill was a gentleman and a gentle man. We met Bill through running, but his friendship transcended onto a personal level that was fulfilling for both us. He was a funny, vivacious man who lived life with gusto and a wonderful spirit. His legacy will live on through all of his friends and family who were fortunate enough to know him. Lace up your running shoes in heaven and enjoy your journey there, Bill! Our love, Jane and Dave
Evonne Koeppen left a message on December 1, 2008:
The Beaver Dam Senior Center has lost a marvelous volunteer and the Recreation programs and Parks have lost a champion and supporter. Bill will be genuinely missed by everyone in our department, we all knew and enjoyed him very much. Our Bingo program won''t be the same and we''ll think of him often when we hand out cars at the holiday parade. Mary, we''re your friends forever. We hope you decide to visit often with us, have lunch, come and share our company and let us enjoy your presence as well. God speed Bill - you''re running with the angels now, hope they can keep up!
Cathy Zillmer left a message on December 1, 2008:
Mrs. Hollihan It was with great sadness that I read about Bill or "Grandfather" as I knew him from his Fort McCoy days. I had the great opportunity to work with him for many years. That guy could always put a smile on everyones face and his sense of humor never ended. After his retirement paths seem to never cross until one day in Wisconsin Dells I ran into him at an American Legion conference and to no surprise he was the same great guy and still doing marathons. What a special person. My sincere sympathies are with you and your family. Cathy Zillmer
Roger VanHaren left a message on November 28, 2008:
Dear Mrs. Hollihan, I have known Bill for many years, mostly as a runner. We ran together many times on the streets of Beaver Dam and in a few races. I also knew Bill through his work on the city council. When I stopped in to see Bill at Golden Living Center a few days ago, I had no idea that it would be the last time I would ever see him. Beaver Dam has lost an icon. Bill will be missed. You have my deepest sympathy. Warmly, Roger VanHaren
Roger VanHaren left a message on November 28, 2008:
Dear Mrs. Hollihan, I have known Bill for many years, mostly as a runner. We ran together many times on the streets of Beaver Dam and in a few races. I also knew Bill through his work on the city council. When I stopped in to see Bill at Golden Living Center a few days ago, I had no idea that it would be the last time I would ever see him. Beaver Dam has lost an icon. Bill will be missed. You have my deepest sympathy. Warmly, Roger VanHaren
Koepsell Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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