Wilma (née Mollet) Holcmann, 88, of Sorento, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
A celebration of life dinner will be held in her honor at the Shoal Creek Fire Protection District Hall at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. A meal will be provided and all who loved her are encouraged to come together and celebrate the amazing life she led. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Holcmann was born on Sept. 5, 1937, to Henry and Fern Mollet (née Landolt). She grew up on a farm where she embraced the beauty of nature, the value of hard work and the warmth of family life. As the eldest of four children, she shared her childhood with her brothers Fritz, Jerry and Mike. Fritz (along with his wife, Tillie) and Jerry preceded her in death. Mike and his wife, Janice, continue to reside in rural Sorento. Her sisters-in-law, Gladys Schmollinger, resides in Old Ripley and Joan Mollet resides in Ripon, WI.
On Jan. 14, 1956, she married Paul Holcmann, beginning a lifelong partnership built on devotion, resilience and shared purpose. He preceded her in death on March 1, 2010, after a long and loving marriage.
Mrs. Holcmann’s dedication to Sorento was extraordinary. She served as village treasurer for 52 years and held additional roles with the Shoal Creek Fire Protection District, the Homecoming Association and the Sorento school. She was also a key organizer of the Ripson Bridge Fall Festival, always eager to support local traditions and bring joy to her community. At one point, she juggled five jobs—an enduring testament to her tireless spirit and unmatched work ethic. She also served as Postmaster of the Sorento Post Office from July of 1982 until January of 2015, contributing nearly 33 years of dedicated federal service to her community.
A natural entrepreneur and lifelong bookkeeper, Mrs. Holcmann owned and operated several local businesses, including the laundromat, bowling alley, salvage yard and rental properties. She co-founded Holcmann and Hoxsey Builders with her husband and supported him in his barber shop. She worked until the age of 83, driven by a deep desire to serve others and uplift her community. Her love and loyalty were especially evident in her marriage. After her husband suffered a stroke, Mrs. Holcmann cared for him with unwavering devotion for decades, embodying strength, compassion and commitment.
Mrs. Holcmann found joy in life’s simple pleasures—gardening, baking, crossword puzzles and catching up on the “Sorento news” with dear friends. She never missed her weekly hair appointment, a cherished tradition that reflected her grace and timeless style. Mrs. Holcmann treated everyone with kindness and equality and her heart was always open. Animals held a special place in her life, often preferred companions and she cared for them with the same compassion she showed to people.
Mrs. Holcmann’s legacy lives on through the values she instilled in her family—especially the importance of hard work and perseverance. Her grandchildren honored her memory with matching tattoos, a lasting tribute to the love and strength she gave so freely. They will miss her zucchini bread recipes, her cooking advice and the warmth and humor she brought to every conversation. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service and strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Mrs. Holcmann is survived by and was deeply proud of her two sons, David (wife, Gale) and Dale (wife, Kitty); her grandchildren who brought her immense joy, Kourtney Holcmann, Erica Knebel, Candace Washburn, Ryan Holcmann, Brandon Stewart, Michael Stewart, Doug Stewart and Cassie Walker; and her great-grandchildren who brought her endless delight. Allison Knebel, Paige Knebel, Noah Denton, Mckenzy “MJ” Washburn, Jonathan Washburn, Abram Swenson, Sawyer Swenson, Delaney Swenson, Brandon, Dylan, Tiffany, Alexis, Bethany, Whitney, Hunter, Allie, Wyatt, Sierra, Kenzie, Colton, Aiden and Braiden.
Mrs. Holcmann is preceded in death by her husband, Paul; grandson, Cory; great-grandson, Josiah, who is lovingly remembered; her parents, Henry and Fern; and brothers, Fritz and Jerry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wilma’s honor can be mailed to Sunnyside Cemetery Association, PO Box 267, Sorento, IL, 62086. The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies. Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
