Willis L. Holle

Willis Leonard Holle, 77, of Hanover, KS, died Friday, May 11, 2012 at his home after an extended illness. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church, northeast of Hanover. The Rev. Rodney Fritz officiated. Arlyce Klipp played the organ while David Heuer sang "Jesus Lead Thou On". The congregation sang “The Lord’s My Shepherd”, “Just As I Am” and “Amazing Grace”. The pallbearers were Jeremy Rippe, Matthew Rippe, Aaron Rippe, Phillip Holle, Vincent Holle and Matt Morris. The honorary pallbearers were Norman Pralle, Junior Werner, Bob Martin, Andy Bruna, John Wollenberg and John Zabokrtsky. Burial was in the Hanover City Cemetery. Willis was born on April 28, 1935 near Bremen, KS, son of Ben and Martha (Licht) Holle. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bremen, and he reaffirmed his baptismal faith through confirmation on April 10, 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hanover. He attended Immanuel and Trinity Lutheran Schools. On April 6, 1958 he married Berdean Kruse at Trinity Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children. As a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church he had served as an usher, school elder and for many years was financial secretary. Willis served nine years in the Army Reserves and held the rank of Motor Sgt. at the time of his honorable discharge. He worked as a heavy equipment operator on road construction and for many years in the sand and gravel business. He worked in car sales and in 2001 retired due to health problems. Willis was a member of the Chamber of Commerce where he served as President and was on the parade committee. He was a member of The Friends of Hollenberg Station and a charter member of The National Pony Express Association. In 1996, he had the pleasure of carrying the Olympic torch on horseback. He also served on the City Council and was a former volunteer fireman. He had an endless love for his horses. Willis enjoyed riding with his family and saddle club. He was often seen giving kids buggy rides. He loved outdoor activities like gardening, square baling hay, fishing, flea markets and woodworking. He enjoyed vacationing in the mountains and traveling to visit his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leroy and Robert; and sisters, Adeline and Rosanna. Survivors include his wife, Berdean; daughter, Cindy (Tim) Rippe, Andale, KS; sons, Doug Holle, Odell, NE, Stan (Carol) Holle, Whitesboro, TX, and Clint (Megan) Holle, Hanover; sister, Roberta (Verlin) Welch, Hubbell, NE; eight grandchildren, Jeremy Rippe, Matt (Maria) Rippe, Aaron (Sarah) Rippe, Laura (Matt) Morris, Phillip Holle, Vincent Holle, Bailey Holle and Will Holle; and four great-grandchildren, Nathan, Autumn, Brook and Sawyer Rippe. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willis L. Holle, please visit our flower store.