Isaac "Wilmer" Hollinger

Isaac “Wilmer” Hollinger lived with faithful integrity as he followed God’s call throughout his life. “I, being on the Way, the Lord led me” (Gen. 24:27) was a guiding theme as he parented, engaged in urban ministry, taught, developed a bicycle business as a means of serving the Goshen community, gardened to help feed his family, and gave himself to the lay leadership of God’s people. Wilmer, 93, died on October 11, 2026, at Greencroft Healthcare, fulfilling his dream “to know as I am known.”

Born on January 1, 1933, in Mannheim, Pennsylvania, to Anna (Landis) and I. Lester Hollinger, Wilmer worked for local farmers and attended Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Mennonite High School, where he met Ruth Sauder. Soon after their graduation, Ruth and Wilmer were married on January 10, 1953.

Ruth and Wilmer wrestled with a call from Eastern Mennonite Missions to work with the Norris Square congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. City life, for the couple who had grown up in rural Mennonite communities, was a leap of faith into an unknown culture. Wilmer recognized his need for more education to help him better minister in the urban context and began studying at Eastern Baptist College. During their seven years of service in Philadelphia, they added two daughters to their family, Lynda Ruth and Judith Ann (Judy).

In 1960, the family of four moved to Goshen, Indiana, so Wilmer could study at Goshen College. Soon after their arrival, a son, Kenneth Wilmer (Ken), was born. Wilmer had to work evenings and weekends to support the family while attending college. These jobs included working in the college’s maintenance department, shoveling coal from railroad cars into the furnace, and hauling and installing water softeners and plumbing.

While making his rounds as a night watchman at Goshen College, he discovered a bicycle discarded in the weeds along the railroad tracks. He fixed it up for himself, but soon a college professor asked if he could buy it. Wilmer found another discarded bicycle and fixed that one up, and so the beginnings of Hollinger Bicycles started to take shape. As word spread, college students began asking him to repair their bicycles. The basement and garage of the Hollinger home became a bike shop. As demand increased, Wilmer began hiring students to help with repairs.

Many of the “shop guys” pay tribute to Wilmer for helping them develop life skills and teaching them how to be an “honest businessman.” Some have even said, “I wouldn’t be in the church if I hadn’t seen your example.” Wilmer also hired some women mechanics, who tended to be older and looking for a break from their teaching careers.

Upon graduation from Goshen College, Wilmer began teaching history, government, and social studies at Bethany Christian High School (now Bethany Christian Schools). He taught there for 20 years. During this time, he earned his master’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame.

Ruth and Wilmer began attending Waterford Mennonite Church soon after their arrival in Goshen. Family life was organized around church events. Sunday mornings and evenings, as well as Wednesday evenings, found the Hollinger family at church. Wilmer was heavily engaged in lay leadership, serving many terms on the board of elders and on innumerable committees. In his own words, “I did just about everything except the kitchen committee.”

Wilmer was commissioned to write the history of Waterford Mennonite Church, Pillars Along the Way, to commemorate the congregation’s 50th anniversary. He also contributed to the history of Bethany Christian Schools, Hearing Our Teacher’s Voice.

By the 1980s, Hollinger Bicycles had outgrown the family home and moved into its own building on 10th Street. Ruth joined the business as office manager. Ruth and Wilmer enjoyed their later years working together in the bike shop and gardening. They took one epic six-week trip, driving west to explore the United States and Canada. Wilmer often said that trip was the most fun he and Ruth had together.

They also enjoyed their last decade living in the Greencroft community. Although Wilmer died in Healthcare, he was at home among loved ones. He counted the cleaning women, aides, and nurses as friends. Many would come to talk with him during their breaks. He also greatly appreciated the compassion shown by Caring Cove Hospice personnel.

Before his move to Greencroft, he listed among the highlights of his life: “many happy years with Ruth, good relationships with my children, continuing relationships with former students, being part of Waterford Mennonite Church, relating to [bike] shop customers and personnel, and talking to the people who walk by my garden.”

Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Clair, of Pennsylvania, and James “Jim,” of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years and three children: Lynda (Rod) Hollinger-Janzen of Goshen; Judy (Brian) Bontrager of Williamsburg, Michigan; and Ken (Suetta) Hollinger of Engadine, Michigan. He is also survived by six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with the celebration of Wilmer’s life. Visitation will take place at Waterford Mennonite Church on November 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. and November 7 beginning at 10 a.m. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Waterford Mennonite Church.