Bernard Earl Holler

Bernard Earl Holler of Eau Claire, WI passed away Monday, April 20, 2026 at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire.

Bernard was born May 14, 1935 at home in Wayne County, Illinois to Earl Holler and Iva (Bright) Holler. He married Marjorie White on July 16, 1955 in Rock Falls, Illinois.

He was active as a minister in the RLDS Church since 1955. He was a volunteer chaplain at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire for several years. Bernard's elementary schooling was in a one-room school in southern Illinois; secondary schooling was in Wayne City High School and Fairfield High School in Fairfield Illinois. He earned his AA and BA at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, his MS at NIU, Dekalb, Illinois and his PHD at SIU in Carbondale Illinois.

His employment included being an associate professor at UW-EC in Eau Claire, WI. He was Director of the American Embassy School in Lusaka, Zambia, Superintendent of the American International School at Johannesburg, South Africa, Director of the International School of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and Superintendent of Wyanet Schools at Wyanet, Illinois. After retiring from education Bernard and his wife Marge were owner-operators of Holler Realty in Eau Claire until retirement.
Over the years Bernard wrote several articles that were published. He enjoyed collecting and working on antique pocket watches. He painted many wildlife pictures and he collected walking canes, especially from the countries he visited. His collection grew to over 200 canes. He enjoyed softball and while in South Africa he played in one softball tournament. He was the oldest player and he pitched six games. He was voted the Most Valuable Player and he was so proud of the little trophy they gave him.
Survivors include his wife Marjorie, son Fred Holler of Altoona, WI, daughter Cindy Dickinsen of Stanley, WI, nine grandchildren - James (Sarah) Dickinsen, Kimbri (Matt) Johnson, Ben (Krista) Dickinsen, Natalie (Justin) Grays, Tim and Scott (Emily) Dickinsen, Chelsie Korpal, Toby (Michele) Rugotzke, Reid Rugotzke,21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Susan Rugotzke, brother Ivan Holler, sister Erma Lou Warren and great-grandson Bram Grays.

A celebration of Bernard's life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday May, 9 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona, WI. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Bernard's family asks that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.