1929 ~ 2004
FREMONT, CA <! >
Longtime resident, Harry Hollingshaus, died January 8, 2004 at home of natural causes, completing his earthly mission with honor. He leaves a legacy of dedicated service to family, God, profession, country, and community. Though his service to society was significant, his focus on and service to his family was his greatest contribution.
Born February 9, 1929 in Salt Lake City, Utah to German immigrant parents, Hollingshaus knew the hardship of growing up in a large family during the Great Depression. He once wrote, "My life has been full and blessed beyond the wildest imaginations of my youth."
After serving two and a half years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Swiss Austrian Mission, Hollingshaus was immediately drafted into the United States Army in 1951. He attended Officer Candidate School and was assigned to Ft. Bliss, Texas where he was trained in artillery. This training was later to influence his vocational service.
He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked for General Electric in Pleasanton, CA. He later spent three years at Pioneer Engineering in Chicago, Illinois. From 1972 until his retirement in 1994, Hollingshaus worked for Bechtel Corporation as Project Manager, Engineering Manager, and Vice President of Engineering. He was as a pioneer and leader in the peaceful and productive use of nuclear power, and influenced many people for good throughout the world.
He led the design of many nuclear power plants and his travels took him around the world. He was a Fellow in the American Nuclear Society and was presented their Outstanding Leadership Award for 25 years of service.
"Harry was a consummate story teller, an accomplished speaker," recalled Lila Bringhurst, a friend of the family. "He had a dry wit, strong opinions, a keen, inquiring mind, vibrant energy and a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. His tenderness toward his widowed mother generated a life-long concern for aged people in humble circumstances."
Hollingshaus loved classical music, sailing and skiing, both on the water and snow.
He served as a bishop and in the Fremont Stake Presidency of the LDS Church. He served on the Personnel Board for the Fremont Unified School District for several years. After retirement he was a driver for 'Meals on Wheels' and spent endless hours in his woodshop creating hundreds of custom toys for family, friends, and others. "I always remember Dad helping people, serving them in various capacities," recalled his daughter, Susan Daynes. "He was handy and could repair almost anything."
In addition to his wife, Gayle, he is survived by his sons: Matthew, Michael, Mark, David, John and a daughter, Susan Daynes; also, by brothers Alfred and John, and sisters Clara Warr, Eva Major and Helen Rosenlund; and 13 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday, January 14, at 12:00 p.m., Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, at 3401 Highland Drive. Interment will directly follow the service.