Daniel L. Hollinger

OBITUARY

Daniel L. Hollinger, 74, of St. Marys Twp. in rural Auglaize Co., OH passed away 5:00 p.m. Tuesday May 26, 2026 at his residence, following a five-year battle with melanoma. He fought this disease in the same way he approached most things in life – on his own terms. In the end, he was able to enjoy a few more years traveling and doing some of the other activities that he lost most.

He was born January 2, 1952 in Kenton, OH, the son of the late Daniel and Helen (Campbell) Hollinger.

Survivors include:

widow Irena J. (Gehfeld) Hollinger of the family home

daughter Angela (Joe) Fierst of Mason, OH

son Daniel (Jenn Beach) Hollinger of Los Gatos, CA

5 adorable grandchildren: Juliet, Jeanavieve, Helen, Daniell, J.D.

sister Diann (J.J.) Januska of Cleveland, OH

Dan was a graduate of Celina Sr. High School (Class of 1970) and earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1974.

Early in his career, Dan started his own construction company (largely, because working for someone else didn’t suit him). 

Having earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 16, his career path led him back to his love of flying, including piloting private jets for a number of years.

Later, Dan and Irena together built a successful egg production enterprise on the family farm. Here, he spent 27 years collecting eggs, changing motors and oil, mowing grass, managing the orchard and pressing apple cider each Fall.

Agriculture was a cornerstone of his life, and he collected wonderful memories while working the farm with his Dad and raising heifers as a member of the Future Farmers of America in high school. 

His recreational interests included bicycling around the area, floating around Grand Lake on his pontoon boat and swimming at the local YMCA.

Lastly, he absolutely loved driving a school bus for the local school district – remarking that this job allowed him re-live the exhilaration of piloting something large, noisy and unruly.

Funeral Rites are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday June 5, 2026 at the Wayne Street Church in St. Marys, with the Rev. Tim Benjamin, officiating. Burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Dan's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller Bros. Funeral Directors in St. Marys and New Knoxville, OH.