Douglas Holt

Douglas E. Holt, of Mequon, passed away on October 7. He was 91. Doug grew up in the city of Milwaukee and attended Washington High School. At the age of 19, standing at just under 5'4" and weighing 110 lbs., he stood on his toes and ate bushels of bananas in order to pass the physical test required to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps — he would serve from 1943 to 1945. After being commissioned as a second lieutenant with the 381st Bomb Group, Doug co-piloted a B-17 Flying Fortress and flew 35 missions over Europe. The GI Bill enabled him to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. His successful engineering career spanned nearly four decades and included a stint with the Heil Co. and 30 years with Harnischfeger Corp. After retiring in 1985, Doug served as a consulting engineer and continued his interest in aviation and delighted in giving friends and family rides in his yellow Vagabond. In recent years, he began to write, chronicling his World War II experiences in "Lucky Dog," which was published in 2007. Doug loved his family — he was a devoted husband, caring father and doting grandfather. He also loved flying — "There's nothing like flying on a clear day," as he wrote — and mentoring young people ("What are you doing to help solve the world's problems?" he'd ask, and not rhetorically.) Doug is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol; daughters Barbara and Lorna (Pat); grandsons Eric, Sean and Cory; sister Jean; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Hazel, Gretchen and Frances; and brother Donald. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, November 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Newcastle Place, 12600 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the National Kidney Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated.