Obituary: Don T. Hollis
Don T. Hollis of Holland passed peacefully on August 22, 2025 at age 89 surrounded by his family and surrounded by love.
Don was born in Stockbridge, MI on July 14, 1936 and attended Stockbridge High. He lived in Jackson for approximately 30 years, and then moved to Traverse City, where he lived in his beloved lake house on Bass Lake. Don was known to be dedicated and reliable in his career, where he worked as a dispatcher for trucking firms in both Jackson and Traverse City – he even brought his kids to work with him on Saturdays, where they played while he worked.
Don loved fishing, snowmobiling, and golfing – all of which he shared with his children and grandchildren. He went on several fishing trips to Canada and around Michigan, where his escapades resulted in many fun stories – the most pervasive story including an infamous fishing trip down the Fox River with his good friend Henry Stump, which ended with an upended canoe and the tackle boxes donated to the bottom of the river. He snowmobiled and two-tracked with friends near Moorestown, MI. He shared his love of golf with his children, whom he taught, and again with his granddaughter, Devon, who he loved to take to the driving range while exhibiting infinite patience and the advice “keep your head down!”
Don and Darlene enjoyed camping with their two kids and travelled extensively to many states, including Maine, Virginia, and Florida. They notably spent a lot of their travel time with Don and Marty Miller, and also spent time in Florida, enjoying their retirement and the warm weather.
Don was especially adept at playing cards. If you had Don as a euchre partner you considered yourself lucky – you had a good chance of winning the game. Some of his favorite euchre games happened at ‘Traverse City Weekend’ where his cherished extended family gathered and had the annual euchre tournament. He was the winner of the first tournament and took home the ‘Toucan Trophy’ with his granddaughter Devon.
Don wasn’t a big board game player but when his granddaughter Makenna was younger and visited him, he could be found enjoying a game of ‘Herd Your Horses’ with her and usually losing.
His grandchildren, Devon and Makenna Litteral, were the light of his life and he loved nothing better than hearing about their lives, playing card games with them, and watching his team (the Detroit Tigers) win (and lose).
When Don moved to Holland in 2018, his physical activities were limited, but he made the most of his situation and made many good friends with his neighbors; he especially enjoyed the ‘Drinks in the Driveway’ during the summer months. His granddaughters loved having their grandfather closer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Clifton Hollis, and his son, Craig Hollis.
Don is survived by Darlene (Reardon), his wife of 65 years; daughter Kim and Blaine Litteral, Don’s grandchildren Devon Litteral (fiancé Ian Ramsay) and Makenna Litteral; sister Barbara Mieras and several nieces and grandnieces.
Don lived a special and full life, where his laugh would light up the room, and his low singing would brighten the darkest of days. He was loved by so many, and will be missed so much.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 11 from 12:00-3:00 at Knight’s Steakhouse & Grill, 2125 Horton Road in Jackson, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or The Father Fred Foundation.