Submitted by: Georgia Gill-Elkins

Hollister, Rutherford, Van Ronsele, Clawson

South Bend Tribune Oct. 1, 2004

John F. Hollister

Oct. 13, 1909 - Sept 29, 2004

"When I get to heaven, the first person I want to see is Jesus. Then I will find my sister Sarah."
These were John's words when he was contemplating leaving this world. The smile on his face was radiant as he spoke. Everyone who knew him can remember the smile that rarely reflected the peace that he had in his heart and the joy that he experienced daily in his walk with the Lord.
John Frederick Hollister, 94, of Mishawaka, Ind., left his earth on Wednesday, Sept. 29. Surviving to cherish his memory are his son, Robert Hollister, and a daughter-in-law Christ Hollister. Also missing him are granddaughters, Vicki, Rutherford and Shelley Hollister, and a great-grandson, Gabriel Hollister.
John was the son of a prominent Mishawaka businessman the late John F. Hollister, and his wife, Carrie. He was preceded in death by his wife Zita (VanRonsele) Hollister, who he wed on July 19, 1937. His sister, Sarah Louise Clawson died on May 27, 2004.
He graduated from Onarga Military Academy in Wisconsin and was a retired welder from Ball Band/Uniroyal. He served the Lord at both First Baptist Church, Mishawaka and at Cedar Road Missionary church, Osceola, Ind. The young people always knew that he would have a smile and a fresh stick of gum for them whenever they met him.
With pleasing and serving the Lord being the most important thing in his life, he spent his days welding, fabricating, and fixing anything that was broken for his family and many friends. This tenderhearted man cared for his ailing mother-in-law in his home until her death many years ago, and did the same for his wife Zita. His life was truly a testimony of God's love and graciousness. As a final act of generosity, he has donated his remains to the Indiana University Medical Center. We will miss him.
There will be a celebration of his life at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, in Cedar Road Missionary Church.