Don Holler died peacefully on January 4th in McHenry, IL at the age of 88 after an extended struggle with Alzheimers. He died at home.

Don is survived by his wife, Paula, four children, Tony Holler (Jill Holler) of Plainfield, IL, Jane (Bob Johnston) of Burnsville, MN, Nancy (Mike Hurckes) of Ringwood, IL, and Joe Holler of Memphis, TN. Don was survived by one sibling, Dr. Ron (Lois Holler) Holler of Scottsdale, AZ. Don Holler had nine grandchildren, Adrienne (Holler) Conley, Alec Holler, Troy Holler, Quinn Holler, Shelby Hurckes, Austin Hurckes, Chloe Hurckes, Stori Hurckes, and Rachel (Johnston) Lauer. Don and Paula also had five great grandchildren, Kendrick Holler, Axel Holler, McKenna Conley, Marlowe Conley, and Mirra Hurckes.

Don Holler was born in Wayne County, IL, on December 18, 1935, to Burl and Stella Holler. He graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1954 and Millikin University (Decatur) in 1958. He later earned a Master's Degree from the University of Illinois.

Don married Paula Kane of Carmi, IL, on January 4th, 1958. He died on their 66th Wedding Anniversary.

Don was born during The Great Depression. His parents would today be considered "working poor". Neither parent went to high school. Don grew up in government housing.

Don Holler attended school for an amazing 73 years; 16 as a student, 47 as a teacher and coach, and 10 as a Dean's Assistant at Waubonsie H.S.

As an athlete, Don Holler's favorite sport was baseball. He played right field and was a line-drive hitter. The playing of baseball was a point of contention with his father who thought Don should get a job and buy a car. Don frequently told the story of the day his father hid his glove on the day of a game.

Don Holler played high school basketball for the legendary Hall of Fame coach, Gay Kintner. Kintner Gym's seating capacity (4200) was greater than the seating capacity of Huff Gym (4025), the home of the University of Illinois. Every game at Kintner Gym was a sellout. As a tribute to his beloved coach, Don Holler coached basketball for 47 years (44 as a head coach) at Gridley H.S., Flanagan H.S, Shelbyville H.S, Princeton H.S., Oswego H.S, Aurora University, and Aurora Central Catholic H.S. His basketball teams won 644 games, just five shy of his famous high school coach.

Don is a member of three Hall of Fames: Aurora University, Millikin University, and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA).

As committed as Don Holler was to his profession, he was most proud of his wife and kids.

Don didn't typically carry a wallet and disregarded money.

Don loved golf and tennis, playing both at a high level well into his 70s.

He also loved music, especially Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and George Jones.

Don Holler always said nice things about other people, with the possible exception of basketball referees. He always surrounded himself with quality people and extremely loyal friends.

Don was complimentary of many things, often hyperbolic with his praise. He frequently described things as "the best ever", especially food.

Don and Paula Holler went to church every Sunday. They attended mass at St. Anne Catholic Church in Oswego nearly 2000 times.

The memorial gathering will be on January 16th at Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 1801 S Douglas Rd, Oswego from 3:30 to 6:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St Anne Catholic Church, 551 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego at 10:00AM on January 17 with Father Stephen Eickhoff officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan, Fl 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601, or Hesed House, 659 S. River St, Aurora 60506. The family would like to thank Don's caregiver, Gabby Idehen.

For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com