Hollis “Holly” A. Hanlon, 92, of Perry peacefully passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Eden Acres in Perry, Iowa.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Perry Chapel, with visitation starting at 10 a.m.
Born on Nov. 12, 1932, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Holly was the daughter of Howard and Pauline (Hoover) Jensen.
She grew up in Fond du Lac and graduated from Fond du Lac High School.
On Feb. 14, 1953, Holly married Francis Hanlon at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry. They were blessed with four daughters, Deborah, Denise, Holly and Kellie Frances, who passed away at birth.
The couple farmed south of Perry and built their home in 1962.
Holly had a varied career, working for the Soumas law firm, as a pharmacy technician and later with Stine Seed Co. alongside Francis. Above all, she was a devoted farmwife, ensuring meals were prepared, the house was maintained and field lunches were delivered.
Holly and Francis shared a love for travel, particularly enjoying the many bus trips they took together.
She was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan who thoroughly enjoyed attending their games.
A longtime member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Holly was known for her excellent cooking, love of reading and deep devotion to her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Pauline Jensen; her husband, Francis Hanlon; her infant daughter, Kellie Frances; and two grandchildren, Shawna Gottschalk and Brad Gottschalk.
Holly is survived by her three daughters, Deborah Wadsworth and her partner, Kevin Sieve, of Alleman, Iowa, Denise (Rick) Brewer of Edwardsville, Illinois, and Holly (Dave) Gottschalk of Perry; her grandchildren, Lindsay (Chad) Wadsworth, Cole Wadsworth, Ryan (Amanda) Brewer, Kyle (Rebecca) Brewer, Catelyn (Tyler) Daniels, Amanda Mantz, Ben (Amanda) Sieve, Olivia (Ryan) Sieve and Rebecca (Tristan) Loughran; 19 great-grandchildren; her sister, Carol Whipple of Eldora; and numerous nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for a later designation in Holly’s honor. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
