John G. Hollinger, 79, Rapid City, South Dakota, formerly of Lefor, was reunited with his wife of 58 years on Saturday, July 20, 2024 after spending the day surrounded by loved ones catching his limit of walleyes, and swimming in the lake. John’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Lefor with Fr. Dennis Schafer as celebrant. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Inurnment will follow at St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday.
John was born on November 23, 1944 to Philip and Kate (Weber) Hollinger in Dickinson, ND. He was raised by his father and step-mother, Susanna Hollinger in Lefor, ND. John graduated from Lefor High School in 1962 and later attended college at Assumption Abbey in Richardton, ND and North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. John entered the Army on September 1, 1965 and received a hardship discharge in February of 1966.
John and Marietta Lefor wed on August 28, 1965 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lefor. John and Marietta lived on the family farm raising their three children, until 1984. They moved to Rapid City, SD in 1994 where John worked for Sodak Gaming.
John enjoyed fishing, camping, bingo, traveling, and time spent in Deadwood. John was a member of the Lefor Knights of Columbus, Eagles Aerie #3555 and the American Legion #0273.
John is survived by his children, Troy (Brenda) Hollinger of Lefor, Dion Hollinger of Lefor, and Shari (Lee) Stein of Gladstone; grandchildren, Levi (Jamie) Hollinger of Gladstone, Tanner (Jared) Kaufman of Gladstone; great-grandchild, Cooper Kaufman of Gladstone; in-laws, Myron (Noreen) Lefor of Aberdeen, SD, Randy Lefor of Phoenix, AZ, Duane (Carmel) Lefor of Lefor, and Bernetta (Jim) Weaver of Rapid City, SD; Rochelle Lefor of Dickinson; along with many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and half-siblings.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marietta, on March 16, 2024; his parents; parents-in-law, half-sister, Jenny Duclos; and daughter-in-law, Lori Hollinger.
