William G. “Billy” Holland

Beaver City, Nebraska William G. “Billy” Holland, age 87, of Oxford, Nebraska, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at Haven Home in Kenesaw, Nebraska. Bill was born in a rock house that still stands just south of Beaver City, Nebraska, on March 7, 1926 to Daniel P. & Hazel B. (Saylors) Holland. He grew up in the Beaver City area and was “drafted” when he was still in high school to serve his country in the US Army, Calvary Division. He completed basic training in Ft Riley, Kansas, and was then sent to Burma/China for the remainder of World War II. His brother, Eugene, had been killed at Omaha Beach just a short time before. While serving overseas, he suffered a serious bout of malaria. In the early 50’s, he moved to Wauneta, Nebraska, and began a salvage business. He sold that business in the mid 60’s to pursue his life long love of horses. He became a thoroughbred owner and trainer for the rest of his career. He retired from racing in 1989. He was responsible for hundreds of wins, and a recent memory book created by his daughters showed many beautiful horses, lots of good friends, and many good memories for him. He loved country music and spent many hours watching Grand Old Opry videos. He raised wonderful tomatoes and loved sharing those with all who came to see him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Eugene, a son-in-law, Gene Butterfield, one granddaughter, Melissa Peterson, and two former wives, Erma Delmont, and Maxine Herbert. He leaves to mourn his wife, Betty Holland of Kenesaw, Nebraska Daughters: Donita (Doni) Peterson and husband Dave of Lincoln, Nebraska Connie Betts and husband Gerald of Eugene, Oregon Delia Butterfield of Lincoln, Nebraska Grandchildren Chandra, Charla, Sarah, Josh, and Melainie; great-grandchildren Travis, Trevor, Alex, Spencer, Hailey, Ryan, and William Marley Condolences and personal reflections can be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com Graveside services will be Friday, March 22, 2013 at 11 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Beaver City, Nebraska with Pastor Keith Theobald, officiating. Military rites will be presented by the American Legion Post from Beaver City, Nebraska. Wenburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.