John M. Hollar

John Marvin Hollar, 66, of Machesney Park passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024 peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born in Indiana on Monday, December 2, 1957 to Ted and Hazel (Guy) Hollar. John grew up in Rockford with his four siblings, attending Auburn High School. John married his high school sweetheart Holly Hollar on May 11, 1984 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after having met on a city bus in 1972. The couple shared 44 years together and were married for 32 of them. Later on, they would have 4 beautiful children together. John was a deacon at Third Presbyterian Church in Rockford for many years and also served in the National Guard. He spent most of his career as a truck driver retiring from R+L Carriers after being employed there for 18 years.

John was a very hardworking man that loved his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping (which had been a tradition since his children were young), watching races on TV, attending races at the Rockford Speedway, and watching football, especially the Chicago Bears. He was the grill master and enjoyed having his kids and grandkids over while he cooked for them, always with extra love. He enjoyed bonfires and often hosted them in his backyard whether it be alone or with his family. John liked to stay busy between doing yard work, fixing cars, or working on other projects in his garage. He also enjoyed fishing and taking his only son with him. John was family oriented and getting together on weekends, as well as celebrating birthdays and holidays was always important to him. In 2016 John experienced the devastating loss of his first born child Angela and 4 months later the loss of his beloved wife Holly. John later on would meet his significant other Kelly Molinaro, who he shared 5 years and many great memories with.

John leaves behind his 3 children: John Hollar, Ciara (Jake) Hollar, Jessica Hollar. Grandchildren: Jordan Hollar, Jazmyn Austin, Marquel Woodfork, Zayvias Lyles, Madelynn and John W. Hollar, Jayleigh and Joslynn Dunbar. Great grandchildren: Elijah, Emersyn, and Dominic Hollar. Brother: James Smith. Predeceased by his parents Ted and Hazel Hollar, Wife: Holly Hollar, daughter: Angela Hollar, Brother: Ted C. Hollar, sisters: Theresa Wenger and Jackie Lingelbach.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115, followed by a funeral at 2:00 PM.

John will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115.