William (Bill) Egnathaus Holland 99 years old born June 1, 1925 son of Herman and Anna (Gruber) Holland passed on June 7, 2024.

Bill was born on his maternal grandparent's farm, on Snipe Hollow Road, Elizabeth, Il. All of Bill's 9 siblings were born in the plantation style house built by his grandparents Egnathaus and Mary Gruber.

Bill was named after his grandfather Egnathaus and also had his very strong work ethic.

Bill attended Mount and Morley country school, Elizabeth, IL where he graduated   and received his 8th grade certificate. His love of farming was born within his blood line. As an eager teenager he always wanted to be outdoors. He also was a part of the 4 eldest Holland children that killed rattlesnakes and sold the meat to a restaurant in Chicago, IL to help feed the family.  He was drafted into the United States Army on Feb 28, 1951 in Chicago, IL. He was stationed at Ft. Devens, Mass in the Artillery section.   Later he was stationed in Camp Edwards Army base. During his tour of duty in the army he was a jeep driver for the brass. Upon finishing his tour he was promoted to Corporal. Feb 27, 1953 Bill received his honorable discharge.

Returning home Bill went back to the career he loved most, farming. He loved farming so much that he went into business with his good friend Stanley Fisher. Bill also worked at the Stockton hardware store for 45 years retiring from there when he was 60 years old. At age 90 years old he retired from farming and cash rented the farm. He married at 59 years old to Dorothy (Posey) Collin on July 7, 1984. Dorothy had 3 sons and 1 daughter. He had a ready-made family when he married Dorothy.

Bill always wanted to stay busy, that was his secret to living so long. He worked for Stanley Fisher and Don Brudi doing trenching work until his mid-80s.

He was loved by his family. At age 98 he and Dorothy, age 97 moved to Park View Nursing home in Freeport. The received great care at Park View.

Everyone will remember Bill for his dry sense of humor. We all know he was laughing inside with his little grin.

Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy, stepsons Ken (Jill), Gene (Anju), and Vern Collin.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; stepdaughter, Janet Stocker; step-daughter-in-law, Sandy Schneider; his siblings, Frank, Herman, Lewis, Andrew, and Leroy. Sisters, Anna McKibben, Marie Kempert, Susan Vandervate, and Margrite Holland.

Celebration of life with Military Honors will be held at the Herman Funeral Home in Stockton, IL on June 27 at 3:30 p.m. There will be a visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Any great stories concerning Bill will be most welcome during the celebration. A memorial fund has been established for Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport, IL. Condolences may be shared with his family at www.hermannfuneralhome.com.