David William Holman, of Sturgeon Bay, died April 7, 2026 at the age of 86, under hospice care in Sheboygan Falls. Dave was born in Ashland, Wisconsin to William and Helen Holman. He and his parents lived at various times through the years in Waterbury and Naugatuck, Connecticut, and in Morris, Illinois. Every summer they would return to Washburn and Bayfield, Wisconsin to spend time with family.
Dave graduated from Morris High School, class of 1958, and Denison University, class of 1962. His school years were filled with academics, sports, student council and other clubs and organizations. He went to law school at Ohio State University, after which he settled in Chicago.
Dave spent some years with the law firm of McBride Baker and then began a long and very satisfying career in personal trust administration at The Northern Trust Company, from which he retired in 1999. He enjoyed the challenge of managing interesting trust assets as well as solving complex matters, including trust litigation. He felt especially honored at the role he played providing security for clients and their families, several of whom, along with many colleagues, remained personal friends beyond retirement.
Dave was a man of faith, character, strength, optimism, gentleness and humor, traits which did not waver in times of challenge or disappointment. He was a loving husband to Barbara, his wife of over 42 years, with whom he shared strong bonds of love, trust and faith. Dave was a loving Dad to his children and “Papi” to his granddaughter, Casey. He was an active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Hinsdale, Illinois for 30 years, where he served as a Stephen Minister, confirmation counselor, and in various leadership roles. Dave was an active member of Bay Evangelical Covenant Church in Green Bay for the past four years.
His life was full and rich, featuring running, golf and travel. In later retirement Dave enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and hiking, especially in Door County, “home away from home” for Dave and Barbara all their lives. They owned a home in Fish Creek for many years, and in 2020, they moved full time to Sturgeon Bay.
Dave is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Christian; his son Brent and daughter-in-law Linda; his granddaughter; Stephanie and Brent’s mother, Alicia; and several cousins. He will be tenderly missed by many others too, including Barbara’s extended family, church “family” from Hinsdale and Green Bay, buddies from the men’s Wednesday morning group, and several special longtime friends. Dave also cherished his time of being a stepdad to Chad, Lane and Heath, who survive him, predeceased by their mother Anna.
At Dave’s request, there will be no memorial service. We are all thankful for the gift of time that allowed so many of us to say our goodbyes. The family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided by the nurses and all the other staff at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.
