Obituary for John A. Hollingsworth Jr.
March 28, 1933 – April 24, 2023
John A. Hollingsworth Jr., 90, of Waterford, went home to be with Jesus on April 24, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home.
John was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to John A. Hollingsworth Sr. and Bertha (Nee: Reitzel). John graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School and went on to further his education at Lehigh University, achieving his bachelor of science in civil engineering. During his years at Lehigh, he was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta, a fraternity that unites men in enduring friendships, stimulates the pursuit of knowledge, and builds courageous leaders who serve the world with the best that is in them.
John joined ROTC while in college, and then served in the U.S. Air Force for five years achieving the rank of Captain. John trained in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and served his tour of duty in France and Germany, followed by one year in the Reserves. Once John was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he went on to work at Bucyrus International Inc. as a product sales and service manager traveling all over the world as well as residing for three years in Johannesburg, South Africa. After B.E., John was President of Andromeda, Co. (USA) for a couple of years.
John married the love of his life Cleo (Nee: Riach) on June 26, 1976, and instantly inherited a family of four daughters and a granddaughter. John embraced his wife, daughters and growing family with love, kindness, patience, generosity, and lots of fun.
When John retired, he drove a motor coach on many tours for Jones where his wife and other family members were able to accompany him on these trips. John enjoyed being busy and later drove a school bus for Thomas, and also did grounds maintenance at Rivermoor Golf Club.
John was very involved in his church and many other groups. He was a proud member of the Tripoli Shriners of Milwaukee where he was a member of the clown unit, and was known as Hollyhock. John was a lifelong member of the Vagabond Ski Club and served for a short time as the president. He loved downhill skiing during the winter and golfing, boating and water skiing in the warmer months.
John was a very devoted Christian, serving the Lord on Sundays at Community Church in Waterford as an usher, and volunteering on a number of committees. He enjoyed singing at church and was involved with the Glory Singers, as well as the Festival Choir at Hales Corners Lutheran Church.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Cleo (Poohmus) Hollingsworth, and his four loving daughters, Carla (Wayne) Wiedenhoeft, Teresa Heise, Louisa (Michael) Tomrell, and Christy (William) Schuyler. He was the loving grandpa of 11 grandchildren: Shawn Squires, Destiny (Ray) Goetz, Kyle (Rachel) Whitley, Rachel Heise, Michael (Mina) Witte, Jenna (Nick) Kuchler, Rebecca (Clinton) Tillman, Malia Heise, Kellon Whitley, Daniel (fiancée Samantha) Tomrell, and Brianna (Becca) Tomrell; the adoring great-grandpa of 12 great-grandchildren: Gunnar, Austin, Bryce, Hayden, Bella, Jace, Kallie, Warren, Ryker, Gabriella, Ellaria, and baby girl Tillman. He is further survived by his beloved sister, Barbara Jeanne Kautz, and sisters-in-law, Sister Carla, Mary (Ron), and Bev (Bob); as well as many other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John A. Hollingsworth Sr. and Bertha (Nee: Reitzel); parents-in-law, Charles and Gertrude Riach; brothers-in-law, Henry Kautz, and Archie (Helga) Riach; and sister-in-law, Kathy Lammert.
Services
A celebration of the life of John A. Hollingsworth Jr. will be held at Community Church, (455 S. Jefferson St., Waterford, WI 53185), on Sunday, May 7, 2023. A memorial gathering will be held at 2 p.m. until the time of service at 3:30 p.m. followed by military honors. A time of fellowship will be held after the service. John will be laid to rest at Rochester Cemetery in a Private Committal Service.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials will be given to Alzheimer’s Association and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John A. Hollingsworth Jr., please visit the Integrity Funeral Services floral store.
Obituary and photo courtesy of Integrity Funeral Services.
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