of Mountain Home, AR
September 12, 1945 - November 24, 2023
Holger W. Wollert, (Max Halsted), age 78, of Mountain Home, AR passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at home surrounded by loved ones.
Born on September 12, 1945 in Plau-Mecklenburg, East Germany, Holger was the son of Waldemar and Irene Wollert and the brother to Petra Gierut (nee Wollert). He later migrated to the United States, where he established roots in Chicago, IL.
Holger dedicated over 30 years of his life to the Chicago Transit Authority, leaving an indelible mark through his hard work and commitment before retiring and embarking on a new chapter in Mountain Home, AR. His service to the country extended beyond his civilian life, as he proudly served in the United States Navy Seabees Unit.
Known to many as Mr. H in the Chicago Blues Scene, Holger was a man of diverse talents and hobbies. A gifted musician, singer and harmonica player, he graced numerous jam nights throughout Illinois. His passion for preserving the music scene on Maxwell Street was evident in his coordination of the "Maxwell St. Blues Fest" and his feature in Martin Scorsese's documentary series, "The Blues".
In addition to his musical pursuits, Holger found joy in spending time with his children and many grandchildren, creating lasting memories during vacations in the Mountain Home Area and on Bull Shoals Lake. His interests extended to sailing, wood carving, photography and the simple pleasure of enjoying a good cup of coffee with a cigarette.
Holger is survived by his significant other of many years, Margaret Nowakowski and his children, Brendt (Kathryn) Wollert, Kurt (Pamela) Wollert, Erica Bourassa (nee Wollert), Grant (Allison) Wollert, Matt Wollert, Amanda Welch (nee Wollert), Karl (Amanda) Wollert and Matthew Nowakowski. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and one great-grandson. Holger is preceded in death by his parents and sister.
Holger W. Wollert will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and cherishing him. As the blues legend B.B. King once sang, "The thrill is gone.".
Sign Guestbook
20 Condolence(s)
Manfred Fischer
Monday, February 26, 2024
Abschied , mein lieber Cousin.
Ich erinnere mich noch an unsere Reise September 1973 wo wir von
Chikago nach Orlando Florida mit deiner Frau Lynn gereist sind.
Es bleibt unvergessen.
Manfred
Brandon H. Wollert
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Opi, I will always remember you. Memories fill my head while I type out my message. Memories of you being the coolest Santa Clause on the block, watching classic movies and eating cherry garcia ice cream, jamming out on the drums while you shred on guitar, countless newspaper reads and word searches, and beautiful summer vacations to the promised land. Growing up into a young man, you were always there. Even when I couldn’t see you, you helped me. You helped me shape into who I am today. When I was at my lowest in life, you took me into your home. You gave me a chance to change. I only wish I could’ve done more for you and with you. I’m going to really miss you. I love you, Opi
Lorre Norwood
Monday, December 4, 2023
To my special friend, I so enjoyed making you smile and laugh your eyes twinkled when you did. I will never forget our special calls and how we both enjoyed saying and hearing them. God bless you my friend and I'll see you with our Lord
Beth McGarry
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Holger Wollert aka Max Halsted who I have known since high school in Chicago. We lived about 4 blocks from one another! Both he and his sister were great friends of those who attended Kelly H.S. in Chicago. I went to my prom with Holger and we continued to visit one another over the years. Me going to Mountain Home, AR and him coming down here to Florida. I helped him when his father became very ill and went on hospice care. Max Halsted visited me in FL and he sang at two places I took him to in both Sebastian and Melbourne, FL - Earl's Hideaway and Pete's Blues Club. While music was his life, he also loved being a father and a grandfather very very much! He will be missed so much! My sympathies to all of his family members. Beth E. McGarry
Nicole Mateja
Friday, December 1, 2023
He was an amazing man, and Uncle. I will always cherish my memories with him. I'll never forget how he took me driving in the Jag when I got my permit. The day I came home from school and he wanted to take pictures of me with his carvings. I will miss the way he just understood me. He was one of the best men I've known.
Barbara Balkin
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
A very talented gentleman.
LittleDaddy!
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Mr H! See 'ya on the big stage.
David Popper
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
I met H when I moved to Lakeview from the Chicago area. His music was a welcome reminder of my love for Chicago blues and fond memories of tjose days. Over time he played and sang at a little jam I held at my pole barn. He will be missed by by everyone who played with him.
I visited him in Promiseland and enjoyed his stories over a cup of coffee and a smoke.
Rest in peace my friend.
Patrick Reninger
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Knew Mr. H from the blues scene and his efforts to Save Maxwell Street. Nice man and generous spirit.
Low-reen
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Mr H! I really enjoyed all the time with Mr H & the crew at the Blues scene on Maxwell St & Halsted. Was sad to see him go to Arkansas, but glad he would be with family. He was special in our Blues scene. We will miss him. Condolences to family
Laura Kamedulski
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
We will miss you Mr. H, your company and your musical spirit! Our deepest condolences to the family. Laura & the Maxwell Street Foundation
Joanne Walen
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
I am truly sorry for your loss but happy all of you could be there for him. The loss of a parent is difficult and hard to overcome. But the gift of life and love they have given you will ease the pain and give you the strength to go on knowing they will always be there for you. Prayers and condolences to all of you. Cookie
Esther Bourassa
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
I will remember him as a kind and caring person. His quiet and thoughtful demeanor will be missed.
David Melvin
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
RIp Max fly hi jam on the Blues Brother
Mary Sindelar
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
"I was deeply saddened to hear about your father’s passing. Thinking of you and your family.”
Bobby Smith
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Rest easy Mr. H. We will miss you and your blues. Thank you for all the entertainment.
Berndt + Sylvia Fischer
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Farewell my dear Cousine.
Berndt and Sylvia.
P.S. Weh like B.B.King Too .
Debra Webb
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
I unfortunately didn’t meet Max in person but his family shared many interesting and fond memories. You will be missed, and forever loved.
Deb ( mother in law of Grant Wollert).
Margaret Nowakowski
Monday, November 27, 2023
To the 1st love of my life!! Our Love was definitely a whirlwind love affair. We were Forever Soulmates from day 1. Best Father(Dadddy) to his children and Best Opi to his grandchildren. Your commitment and dedication to all of us will Forever be appreciated! I can't fathom my life without and will be Forever lost without you! You were and Always be the Love of my Life. Till we meet again, make room for me up there and please kiss and hug our Ava girl. Don't you worry, I will do my Best to fill your shoes down here!! They are pretty big shoes to fill though. Always know that no one will ever hold my Heart.
Erica Bourassa
Monday, November 27, 2023
I'll miss Poppa!