Jean (Dadam) Holley

Jean Ann (Dadam) Holley, 85, a longtime resident of Crivitz, Wisconsin, most recently of Hobart, Wisconsin, passed away on October 28, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, laughter, love, and a legacy of caring for others.

Jean was born on April 27, 1941, to Frank and Josephine Dadam. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1959 before attending nursing school in Chicago. She went on to become a registered nurse at Dickinson Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain, Michigan.

It was there that Jean’s own love story began. One day, a young man named John Holley arrived in the emergency room as a patient and decided that Jean was the nurse he wanted caring for him. Apparently, John knew a good thing when he saw it! The two were married on October 19, 1963, beginning a love story that would last more than 63 years.

Throughout their marriage, Jean and John made their home in several communities. They spent many years in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin and later lived in Baudette, Minnesota, before eventually settling in Crivitz, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed approximately 20 years of retirement together.

Jean had a generous heart and a lifelong commitment to helping others. She dedicated countless hours to serving as a Girl Scout leader, supporting Boy Scouts and 4-H activities, volunteering with the St. Vincent DePaul, and coordinating charity activities and outings. She was also actively involved in her church, generously giving her time to the Altar Rosary Society and numerous other church activities and events. Whether organizing a fundraiser, mentoring young people, helping those in need, or simply stepping up when an extra pair of hands was needed, Jean was always willing to lend a hand. Volunteering wasn’t simply something she did; it was part of who she was.

Jean had a creative spirit and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, making handmade cards, baking, and tending to her flower gardens. She loved traveling and exploring new places, but some of her fondest memories were made closer to home. She spent many summers alongside her dear friend Ruth Polczinski, picking beans and working at farmers markets. Those summers were filled with hard work, friendship, laughter, and memories that lasted a lifetime.

As generous and caring as Jean was, she also had a wonderfully sassy side. She wasn’t afraid to let you know what she was thinking, sometimes without saying a single word. Her legendary eye rolls could speak volumes, and those who knew her best understood exactly what they meant. Even during her final weeks, through hospital stays and hospice care, she never lost that familiar spirit. Her signature response of “whatever” became a phrase her family and caregivers heard often, usually accompanied by that unmistakable Jean attitude. It was a comforting reminder that, no matter what life brought her way, she was still very much herself.

Above all, Jean treasured her family. She shared more than 63 years of marriage with her husband, John, and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family will forever cherish her generosity, creativity, sense of humor, and, of course, those unforgettable eye rolls.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband, John Holley; her children, Jon Holley of Crivitz, Wisconsin, Judy Holley of Crivitz, Wisconsin, Jill Holley-Gauthier (Mike Gauthier) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Justin Holley of San Antonio, Texas; her grandchildren, Miranda Holley and Lillian Holley; her great-grandchildren, Ariya and Kaiya; and her grand puppies Lucy, Coco, Daisy, Pepper, Shaggy, and Chica.

She is further survived by her brother, Frank Dadam (Kelly); her sister, Joanne Friberg (Bob); and her sisters- and brother-in-law, Gail Wright, Carol Jean Wille (Greg), Robert Holley (Mary), and Jim Bornfleth, along with extended family and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Josephine Dadam; her parents-in-law, John and Lillian Holley; her sister, Sandy Bornfleth; and her niece, Sheri Bornfleth.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Unity Hospice and Emerald Bay in Hobart, Wisconsin. Although Jean’s time at Emerald Bay was brief, she quickly grew fond of the people who cared for her and often spoke warmly of them. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication brought comfort to Jean and her family during a difficult time, and their care will always be remembered with gratitude.

Jean lived a life filled with service, creativity, friendship, family, and just the right amount of sass. She touched countless lives through her generosity and kindness, leaving behind memories that will bring both smiles and tears to those who loved her.

And if Jean could have the final word about all the fuss being made over her, her family can almost hear her saying, with one last eye roll, “Whatever.”

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A memorial mass will be held Wednesday November 4th at 11:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church 808 Henriette Ave, Crivitz, WI with a lunch to follow.