Donald Leroy Hollmer passed away on October 18, 2021 in the house that he built. The loving presence of friends and family comforted him during his journey home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church, Davenport. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Zion Lutheran Church.
Donald was born to Henning and Bessie (Brown) Hollmer on December 1, 1928 in Davenport, Iowa and he graduated from Davenport High School where he was on the wrestling team. In 1950, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars.
Don met Gloria Fernow when he drove to pick up his date at an Augustana College dorm and the coeds sent down the “wrong Gloria” who turned out to be the right Gloria. They were married on Feb. 10, 1951 in Rollin, MO.
A skilled bricklayer since 1947, Don built a family home in Blue Grass in 1955, and he and Gloria raised 4 children there. He lived in his home for the next 66 years. His brickwork can be found throughout the Quad Cities. He received his bricklayer’s Gold Card in 1997.
Don was an avid fisherman, pheasant hunter, and a devoted Iowa Hawkeye football fan, known by his friends as “Gabby”. He and Gloria also enjoyed tailgating, traveling and camping in their RV. In his younger years, Don coached Little League Baseball and was president of the Blue Grass Community Club. He was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church, Davenport and American Legion Post 711, Blue Grass.
Don is survived by children Dona (Carey) Noble, Jill (David) George, Clay (Constance) Hollmer, and Troy (Denise) Hollmer; grandchildren Cory Noble, Kelsy (Brandon) Gallentine, Nicole (Caleb) Westadt, Allison George, Cara Hollmer, Chad (Elizabeth) Hollmer and Chase Hollmer; and great-grandchildren Landon Gallentine and Tenley Westadt. He is also survived by a brother, Bob Hollmer and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife Gloria, his parents, sisters Ruth Lois and Joann.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com
