SIOUX FALLS — Long-time Huron University professor, Dr. John J. Wollman, 89, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Prince of Peace. Best known as “Doc” to his many friends and family, John was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
John was born on May 11, 1928, at the family farm near Bridgewater. He attended country school and graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1946. After attending his freshman year of college at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, he transferred to Dakota Wesleyan University where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1950. John excelled in academics as well as athletics at DWU, earning the Outstanding Athlete Award his senior year.
After spending a year teaching and coaching in Humboldt, John joined the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Panama. He served for two years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1953. He returned to South Dakota and attended the University of South Dakota, receiving his master’s in education in 1954. He resumed teaching and coaching in Freeman and, in 1955, accepted the position of principal in Spencer. He went on to spend two years as superintendent of schools in Spencer.
In 1960, John obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming. Upon graduation, he took the position as professor of education at Huron College, beginning a life-long commitment to the school. He remained a fixture at Huron until 2005, assisting 12 different college presidents during 45 years of service. During his tenure, he was the division chair of education, twice serving as academic dean and was named interim president in 1974. John was recognized as a national pioneer in the education field, launching the IOTA workshops for teacher observation across South Dakota in 1971.
In addition to his work in the classroom, John was the NAIA faculty athletic representative for the school from 1960 to 2000 and served as the eligibility chairman for both the SDIC and NAIA during that time. He received numerous accolades and recognition for this work including the national NAIA Meritorious Service Award. John is a member of the Huron University Hall of Fame, the SDIC Hall of Fame, the District 12 Athletic Hall of Fame and the NAIC National Hall of Fame.
In 1968, John and his wife Dawn were married and began their long life together. John adopted Dawn’s son, Jon, shortly after their marriage. The family grew to four in 1972 when their daughter, Joni, was born. John and Dawn made Huron their home and were active in the community throughout their life. John was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and deacon in the church. He also loved to work in his garden, sharing the bounty with neighbors and friends.
In 2004, John and Dawn moved to Sioux Falls in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Even after the move, John continued to travel back to Huron every week to ensure all of his students were able to complete their student teaching and graduate. He finally retired in 2005, capping a 45-year career at the college.
John is survived by his son, Jon (Sharon) Wollman of Sioux Falls, daughter, Joni (Randy) Brown of Sioux Falls; and granddaughters, Heidi Wollman and Kirstie Wollman, both of Sioux Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dawn; brothers, Harris Wollman and Elgin Wollman and sisters Evelyn Olson and Anna Hofer.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the South Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
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