Terry (Doug) Holland

Terry "Doug" Holland, dedicated and loving husband, father and friend - passed away peacefully at home with his wife and son by his side on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Doug fought a 6-month courageous battle with cancer.

Doug was born to Forrest and Mary Holland on May 25, 1957, in Burlington, Iowa. He attended Bettendorf High School before joining the United States Air Force in which he served 9 years and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Doug was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Pusan Air Force Base (Republic of Korea) and Elgin Air Force Base.

Doug met the love of his life, Rebecca, in Davenport, Iowa in 1975 and they married on June 4, 1977, in Racine, WI. On July 15, 1979, they welcomed their son, Matthew.

During Doug's military service, Doug spent a year away from his family in Korea. Doug and Rebecca corresponded with daily written love letters to one another. Doug and Rebecca's love for one another was strong and this past June, they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Together, Doug and Rebecca enjoyed going on annual vacation cruises, attending concerts, local festivals and events, and spending time with their son, Matt. There are many fond memories of Doug and Rebecca attending Matt's childhood Karate tournaments, football, and baseball games.

After his military service, Doug joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1986 as an Air Traffic Controller. Doug certified as an Air Traffic Controller at Vero Beach Airport (VRB), Jackson Mississippi Airport (JAN), Quad City Airport (MLI) and Chicago ARTCC (ZAU). His leadership, determination and strong work ethic led him to becoming a Front-Line Manager, Operations Manager and Executive Officer. After 36 years of proudly serving the FAA, Doug retired this past June after learning of his terminal disease.

Doug and his son, Matt, were especially close. Matt followed in his father's footsteps and joined the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller and now Supervisor. They often spoke daily by phone and FaceTime-whether it was about work, a football game, father-to-son advice and guidance, or just to say hello.

Although Doug had a quiet and reserved presence, he was quick to respond and had a wonderful dry sense of humor which made others pause and wonder if he was serious or cracking a joke-which he often did.

Doug is survived by his wife Rebecca (DeKalb, IL); son Matthew Holland and his wife Lena (Davenport, IA) and their children Kara, Shawn, and Anna; brother, Larry Holland and his wife Colleen (Bloomington, IN).

Family, friends, and coworkers are welcome to join the family in celebration of Doug's life at Finch Funeral Home located at 310 Oak Street DeKalb, IL 60115 for the visitation and funeral services. The visitation will be held on Tuesday December 13, 2022, from 5:00pm-7:00pm. The funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 7:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor Marty Marks officiating.

On December 14, 2022, a private family burial service with military honors will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

In Doug's memory, donations can be made to St. Jude at https://www.stjude.org to help children fight cancer. Memorials and flowers can be sent to the family at Finch Funeral Home, DeKalb, IL.

Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.