Charlotte Hollis
December 13, 1921 ~ January 7, 2014
Charlotte M. Hollis age 92 of Lawler, died Tuesday January 7, 2014, at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 11, 2014, at First United Methodist Church in New Hampton with Pastor Candie Carey presiding. Kim Hilgendorf will be the organist for the service with vocals from Blake Hollis.
Interment will be in Faith United Church of Christ Cemetery, Tripoli with McClain Gitch, Ryan Hollis, Blake Hollis, Tom Carolan, Steve Speltz and Joe Speltz serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Roscoe and Sharon McDonald, Tom and Bernice Britt, David and Janice Byrne, Leo and Bev Dowd, Jim Speltz, Sue Wegner, Krissy Josephson, Mary Markee, Joe Allen and Mary Brinks.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday January 10, 2014 at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Charlotte Marie Hollis was born on Dec. 13, 1921, in rural Tripoli. She was the sixth child and eldest daughter of ten children born to William and Mary (Heine) Harmening. She attended Evergreen Country School and Tripoli Community School. Her mother provided a life-long effect on her in developing a strong work ethic, exhibiting extreme dedication and determination, caring and concern for others, and believing in God.
Her early work career included employment at the John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works. It was here where she met her future husband, Keith E. Hollis. They were married on April 15, 1949 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union, two children were born, Mary Kathleen and Michael Keith.
From 1948 thru 1968, Charlotte and her husband owned and operated Holly’s Coffee Shop (later becoming Holly’s Cafe) at three different locations in New Hampton. It was during this time she began catering for several local organizations which included the Lions Club, Rotary Club, B.P.W., the Masonic Lodge, and Past Matrons, as well as catering numerous weddings. Charlotte also catered meals for the New Hampton Country Club and Plum Creek Golf Course in Fredericksburg. From 1970 thru 1982, Charlotte and her husband owned and operated Holly’s Bar and Grill in Lawler. In 1968, she became the manager of the hot lunch program for the New Hampton Community School System until her retirement in 1985. The “Lunch Lady” as some referred to her, became a familiar face to many of the countless students and faculty that she served.
Charlotte enjoyed her family time and provided an inspiration to her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She often exhibited that “knack” for relating to the younger children in a thoughtful and teaching manner. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed her time in the kitchen. She also enjoyed quiet evenings tending to her garden and caring for her flowers. Many of her friends were much younger than her but enjoyed her company as she always seemed to have a zest for life. She could be quick to offer an opinion, but also had a sympathetic and caring nature that people admired. When in public, she was always well-dressed and had a sense for style.
Charlotte was a member of the United Methodist Church in New Hampton.
Charlotte is survived by her children, Mary (Wayne) Gitch of Fredericksburg and Michael Hollis of Nashville,TN; grandchildren, Mischa (fiance Jon Odell) Gitch of West Des Moines, Karolyn (Mick) Kane of Fairbank, Natasha Gitch of Nashville, TN, McClain Gitch of Madison, WI, Ryan (Anne-Marie) Hollis, of Waverly, TN, and Blake Hollis of Knoxville, TN; great-grandchildren Kennedy and Adalynn Kane of Fairbank; sister Bernice Ambrose of Fredericksburg, and sisters-in-law Helen Doris Wright of West Des Moines, and Pat Hollis of Waterloo. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Harmening; her husband, Keith who died on Sept. 16,1986; brothers Wilbert, Louis, LaVern, William Jr., Raymond, and Henry Harmening; and sisters Marion Thomas and Wilma Allen.
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Wayne, Mary and family, Sending our sympathy to all of you. Charlotte was a wonderful lady. I will miss her smile and sweetness. Thinking of you at this time of sadness Tim and Karen Denner
Mary,Wayne and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom, Mary…I always remember her as such an active and attractive Lady who really enjoyed life especially her family, work and social as well. God’s Blessings be with You and All of Your Family at this difficult time…it is so hard to lose our Moms!!!
Mary, Mike and Families, My heart goes out to all of you. Your Mother / Grandmother was truly a special lady and very proud of all of you. Some of the Grandchildren, especially the younger ones don’t know me (Darlyce Harmening Grabow. I was the first Grandchild/ Niece, born on the Harmening side. Also the only girl until 12 yrs when. later my sister Janice was born. I really adored my four beautiful Aunts. Being only 9 thru 12 years older than me they were like big sisters. Whenever I got the chance I loved to have a vacation with Grandma and Aunts. The time spent with Charlotte are special memories for me. These memories include riding on the back of her Harley Davidson with her. She and Bernice were always there to go on Carnival rides with me. It’s been mentioned that she always dressed up in public. I recall going to the Stock Car Races with Charlotte and Kieth and Bernice and Everette. Of course we dressed up including high heels. Mischa, your Grandma also taught me to iron a shirt the proper way. She also made me try those wonderful healthy veggies, from the garden of course. She will be greatly missed but we will always treasure those precious memories of her. I wish I could be there. Love Your cousin Darlyce a
Dear Mary, Mike and families, Very saddened to learn of your loss and send my regrets for not being there to give personal condolences due to being in CA. Knowing Charlotte in so many ‘arenas’ has blessed me with lots of memories! What a wonderful, wise, and witty lady! Time spent with her was always a joy! May God fill the emptiness in your hearts with His special Peace and Love. You are in my thoughts and prayers….my heartfelt sympathy to you all…
Mike&Mary you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother.She was my very first boss and I loved her dearly,We also had some good talks over coffee at klunders and I loved her dearly. Your coworker Gloria Parks
Sending prayers! Loved stopping over at Charlottes house and playing with the Gitch girls! She was an amazing lady and I am honored to have known her! I know my parents wish they could be here for you. Mindy Anderson Hauber
Mike & family, Wayne, Mary, and kids – she will be greatly missed by many! She is probably sharing stories and reminiscing with my parents and everyone else who went before her. She had a long life and touched many people. I remember playing at her house by Holly’s with Mischa, Karolyn, and Natasha. When mom would be at the Holly’s working, playing cards, or pool.
Mike, Mary and family– so sorry for your loss– what a truly beautiful woman she was and will always be!! She was such a delight to be around– loved visiting w/ her!! She will be sadly missed by many and will hold great memories in your hearts as well as those she touched!!! Just an eternal sweetheart!!!
Mary and Mike, I am so sorry I am out of state…I would love to say a final farewell to this incredible woman. I met her in 1964 and stayed in touch ever since. She was gracious, lovely, beautiful and sensible to the core. I am confident you know how very much she meant to me! God has a special place for her; of this I am certain. Betty Soukup
I Have You in My Heart Memorial Throw was purchased for the family of Charlotte Marie Hollis.
Mary/Mike and families. My sympathy to you. Will never forget our years at Holly’s Cafe.
Our Sympathy to you Roger & Margo
I’ve enjoyed reading the obituary and these tributes. I swear Charlotte never knew a stranger. It was always fun to run into her at the grocery store or around town. She always had a few minutes to chat. Sympathy to the family and her many friends.
Sweet Sincerity was purchased for the family of Charlotte Marie Hollis.
Our deepest sympathy to Charlotte’s family–what a classy lady, full of vim she made the most of every day. We have all learned a lot from her fine examples. (What a great cook!) Charlotte glowed every time she spoke of her beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren! May all the special memories she helped create live on in your hearts ~ with our love & prayers, Steve, Francie & family
Charlotte was a lady like no other. I always enjoyed our chats when we’d run into each other. She always had a smile and a positive attitude. She will be missed. Our sympathy to her family. Keep all those great memories close to your heart and she will always, always be with you. Joe & Diana Gebel
My sympathy to all of you. I was so glad to be able to see Charlotte over Christmas, even for a short time. There are so many memories that I can remember with Charlotte, from working with her to having a drink and visiting with her, but will never forget the Christmas eves spent at her house with all the family, and the trip we took together. It’s been an honor to have known her. Connie Kieffer
Andrea and I send our prayers to you all..Charlotte took care of us on our wedding night giving us her home and treating us to our first special breakfast together..Two things she always did and loved opening her home to others and cooking..I was fortunate to know her for years before that and always remember her smile.. Love Brad and Andrea Aschenbrenner
Mike and Mary and Family, We are sorry to hear of Charlotte’s passing. She is a legend. Her name brings memories of high school days. She was so active and busy. She knew her stuff and kept things in order. Respect to her and condolences to you, Mary and Chub Frese
Mary, Mike, and families- Wow, what a great lady! So many terrific memories & meaningful conversations were had with this classy gal. She was one of a kind and impacted so many lives in a positive manner. Thank you for sharing your mom/grandma with us! Our thoughts & prayers are with you in the difficult days ahead. Leon & Lori Franzen
I always enjoyed working with her at the golf course. She was one of a kind! John and Jane Melugin Brooks
lovelovedthatgreatwomanmarywayne&mike youhavemygreatestsympathy,shewillbetrulymissed itwasalwayssogreatwhenshewouldcomeandcelebrateherBdaywithuspoolgirls
Sorry to hear of the loss of Charlotte. She was a wonderful lady and I have many fond memories of working along side her back in the school cafeteria as a student. Thinking of you all! Deb Mihm
Mary,Wayne, Mike, and the Family of Charolette. What can we say!! She was truley an amazing Lady. We were all blessed to have known such a sweet, woman. And yes, Charlotte would surely tell you what she thought, like it or not, she was a straight shooter! She will be missed by many, but the memories will last for ever! thinking of you all… Leo and Bev Dowd
She was a great lady and always enjoyed a conversation with her. She was very proud of her children! God bless her and your family! Roger & Tina Hansen
Mary and family, so sorry to hear of Charlotte’s death. So many memories come to mind. She was quite a lady. May your faith sustain you and memories hold close to your hearts. God Bless
Heaven has another angel today and I’ve been blessed with calling her grandma. What a lady!! She taught me so much from how to iron a shirt (properly of course), to how to work and play hard in life. She is truly the matriarch of our family and has touched so many people throughout several generations. We all have a lifetime of memories. I know the next few days will be challenging but I know how much she loved us all and how much we loved her. We will miss you Grandma Hollis and love you always!
Wayne, Mary and family,our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We have alot of wonderful memories that we shared with your mom. We will miss her greatly. love you, Punki and Mike
No doubt, Charlotte was an amazing woman….like a 3rd Grandma to me:) She was always full of stories and special advice for everyone! I send special thoughts to all of her family and wish everyone the strength to get through this difficult time. Jeff and Becky Tilkes
My deepest sympathy to all of Charlottes’ family, she was a great person to know and a very good boss that taught us alot. I will be thinking of you all in in coming days. Sincerly Linda Stolfus
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Enjoyed working with Charlotte. Dean and Judy Speicher
Dawn Aschenbrenner lit a candle in memory of Charlotte Marie Hollis
Just know there are many prayers and love with you to comfort you at this time of loss of someone who meant so very much to you. Words can’t say what our hearts feel but know the love we have for you.
To the Hollis family, I am so sorry for your loss Charlotte was a true joy to be around. My thoughts and prayers for you all. Richard and Sharon Dreckman-Zeien family