Obituary: Holl, Elmer M.
Age 95
HOLL,
Elmer M.
August 25, 1916 -
July 17, 2012
Elmer “Tex” Holl peacefully passed away at the age of 95.
He was born in Sidney, Montana to Danish immigrants Jens and Dorthea Holl and grew up on the family homestead as one of nine children.
Tex enlisted in the Army Air Corp and during WWII was a pilot and co-pilot of the B-24 Liberator.
His military service included more than 50 missions with the 15th Air Force, including the allied attack on the Nazi oil fields at Ploiesti, Romania.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Tex married Rhoda Carlsen and the couple made their home in the Spokane Valley where Tex was employed by Northern Pacific Railroad.
They were active members of Zion Lutheran Church and later charter members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
In retirement Tex and Rhoda enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, often with their friends from the Holiday Ramblers Club, and wintering in warmer climates.
After Rhoda passed away, Tex lived at Holman Gardens and later relocated to Bellingham, WA.
He attended Faith Lutheran Church there and was a member of a group of former pilots.
He returned to the Spokane area in 2011, residing at Guardian Angel Homes in Liberty Lake, and enjoyed visiting people and places from his former years in Spokane.
Tex lived a hard-working and productive life.
He loved the outdoors, rarely missing his daily walk or bike ride; Tex also enjoyed reading, gardening, animals, wood-working and travel.
He leaves a legacy of faith, strong work ethic, and commitment to family.
Tex is survived by: Daughters and sons-in-law Rita (Ron) Mickelson of Spokane and Sandi (Kirk) Wise of Seattle; daughter-in-law Nancy Holl of Bellingham.
Grandchildren Bradley Mickelson, Jessica Connolly, Ethan Wise, Gabriel Wise, Ashley Meraz, Eric Holl, Alan Holl.
Great-grandchildren Tommy, Josephine, Penelope, Elijah, Kaia, Ariella, Nathaniel, Naomi.
Numerous nieces and nephews.
Tex was preceded in death by his wife, Rhoda Holl on February 5, 2002, and his son Michael Holl of Bellingham on June 29, 2012.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date, Riverside Cemetery, Spokane.