Roger Hoolihan
January 12, 1932 - December 31, 2025
Obituary
Roger M Hoolihan, passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2025 with family at his side at the age of 93. Roger was born to the late Maurice and Lucille (Goeser) Hoolihan on January 12th, 1932 in Menasha, Wisconsin. Throughout his life he resided in Menasha, Appleton and Neenah. He raised his two children with the love of his life, Gloria E. Hoolihan (nee Dorn) after their marriage in August of 1955.
Roger graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in spring 1951 and was the proud Captain of the St. Mary’s football team, played basketball, was on many committees and elected Class Treasurer. He also participated in Dramatics and Choir. His athleticism continued into adulthood and Roger enjoyed golfing and bowling with his friends and wife for years. Roger and Gloria put time, energy and love into their cottage in Cecil, WI. They enjoyed hosting friends and family for drinks on the lake, late night fires, boating and enjoying Wisconsin summers. Family will fondly remember days on the lake and raising a glass in Haps’ Pub. Roger will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Roger’s military service in the United States Navy began in 1952. He served on the USS Eaton during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955. After returning, he married Gloria and began working at American Can for 40 years until his retirement in 1994.
His love for sports never ended after high school. Roger was an avid Green Bay Packers, and Badgers fan his entire life. He attended games and his family will fondly remember watching games in the basement bar; shaking dice and complaining about the referees. Roger’s niece Laura and husband Paul (an avid Vikings fan) could always expect a phone call, gloating, after every Packer win against their rivals. He had a harder time, however, picking up the phone when the Vikings prevailed.
Roger is survived by his children Mark (Cheryl) Hoolihan and Kathy (Ron) Brehm; Grandchildren Eric (Ashleigh) Brehm, Marlys (Chase) Freimark, Bradley Hoolihan (Nikki and Colten) and Benjamin Hoolihan; Great-grandchild Murphy Freimark; as well as his sister Patricia Schultz; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gloria, and two brothers, Eugene and Robert.
The family would like to thank the nurses and care workers/staff at America Grand Assisted Living in Neenah for the loving care they provided.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday January 7th, 2026 at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, 620 Division Street, Neenah. Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be held at a later date.