Hollis William Nicholson

Hollis William Nicholson, Lt. Col.
Surrounded by the love of his family, Hollis peacefully passed into the arms of his Savior on November 10, 2025, at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth.
Hollis was born May 11, 1940, to Hollis E. and Lilly (Olsen) Nicholson and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1958. Growing up, he drove dump trucks by the age of ten at his family's excavating and gravel business on Maple Grove Road. As a teenager, he was active in orchestra, speech team, Junior Achievement, DeMolay (awarded Chevalier), and 4-H, including winning "best groomed" at the state meet, something that tickled his family since. He played viola for the Duluth Junior Symphony and had a lifetime love of hunting, fishing, and camping.
He attended UMD until enlisting in the Minnesota Air National Guard at the 148th Fighter Wing as an officer in 1962. He trained at the USAF Air Command and Staff College and learned to do the job he loved best, protecting our country as a fighter and reconnaissance pilot. He qualified in more than ten airplanes as a pilot and evaluator in some. In the guard he was a member of the winning William Tell team in 1970. His call sign "Fox" reflected the way he always tried to find a "better" (not always more efficient) way of doing things, a trait that crossed into his civilian life. Dad finished his military career as the head of life support officer of the guard and was awarded Meritorious Service decoration. He proudly served our country for 22 years until his retirement in 1984.
When the airbase changed missions, Hollis began work as a mortgage loan officer at St. Louis County Savings and Loan and continued as a manager of Minnesota Federal, now Wells Fargo. He finished working as a home health aid until his retirement, but flying was always his favorite.
On a blind date, Dad met the love of his life Bettie Lou Johnson, and they married on June 18, 1966. Wakefield, Michigan residents were probably glad that they moved to Duluth as he would often "buzz" her hometown as he flew over on maneuvers. They raised their children, Heidi and Bil with abundant love, a lot of laughter, endless stories, and a wonderful example from their almost-60 years of marriage.
Enjoying the company of others, Hollis was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church, Port of Duluth Kiwanis Club, Lakeside Masonic Lodge (now Euclid), Order of Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, St. Louie Trap Team, Minnesota Charities Review Council, Duluth Neighborhood Housing Service, and the United Way, serving in a variety of roles.
Dad appreciated life, especially after surviving pancreatic cancer eleven years ago. He understood every day was a gift. Nothing pleased him more than telling detailed stories, making others laugh, and spending time with his loved ones.
Hollis was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Patricia (Frank) Stelzer, John (Katherine) Nicholson, and Joyce (Dennis) Nolden.
Hollis is survived are his beloved wife, Bettie Lou; lucky children, Heidi (Bradley) Bohlmann and William (Cassandra) Nicholson; his adored grandchildren, Adelaide and Liam (Emily) Bohlmann; and treasured in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Visitation to be held from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy. Visitation will continue at 12:00 PM on Thursday, November 19th at Salem Lutheran Church, 4715 Hermantown Rd, with Funeral Service, including Masonic and military honors, at 1:00 PM and reception to follow. He will be laid to rest at the Minnesota State Veterans' Cemetery - Duluth at a later time.
The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Solvay, Essentia Health, St. Mary's Hospice, and Duluth Heights Lodge, and especially his niece Brenda Nicholson for all of the extra help with Mom and Dad. He has now "slipped the earthly bonds and touched the face of God."
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