Melvin G. Holli, noted historian, Certified Archivist, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Illinois at Chicago passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016.

Born in 1933 in Ishpeming, MI, he was the son of the late Walfred and Sylvia Holli. He grew up enjoying hunting, fishing, and skiing. He competed in ski jumping from 8th grade through college. The Finnish culture and Sauna was an important part of his life. His first language, learned at home, was Finnish. After learning English at school, he could translate for his grandfather who emigrated from Finland.

Melvin was a graduate of Suomi College (Finlandia University) and Northern Michigan University. He was nominated for a Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship and won the award to study at the University of Michigan. Melvin completed his Doctorate in American History at the University of Michigan in 1965. Working at the Michigan Historical Collections as curator of manuscripts, he commenced a career as a collector and cataloger of historical documents, became a Certified Archivist, and a charter member of the Academy of Certified Archivists. Dr. Holli was a life member of the Organization of American Historians. He received the Distinguished Alumni award from Northern Michigan University.

In 1965 Dr. Holli began a long and distinguished career in the Department of History at the University of Illinois at Chicago, retiring in 2003. He established and directed an Urban Historical Collection, acquiring manuscripts, valuable historical documents, and primary resources for researchers interested in urban history. This archivist work included the speeches of Richard J. Daley and letters of Jane Addams. He enjoyed working with students and served as chairman of the department 1991-1994. He was a Fulbright Professor at the University of Turku, Finland in 1978, and a Fulbright Research Professor in 1989.

Dr. Holli is the author or coeditor of 18 books and numerous print articles. He appeared frequently on Chicago radio and television programs to discuss subjects of his work. He was interviewed by and quoted in many newspapers and periodicals throughout the years. His book, "Ethnic Chicago" (1981) won the History Award of the Society of Midland Authors and Best Book Award dealing with Illinois politics from the Illinois Political Science Association. "The Making of the Mayor, Chicago 1983" won the Award of Superior Achievement of the State Historical Society of Illinois and was selected as one of Choice's Outstanding Academic Books.

Professor Holli's interest in the political office of mayor began with his dissertation and publication of "Reform in Detroit: Hazen S. Pingree and Urban Politics." His "Project for the Study of the American Mayor," involving 100 scholars, resulted in the "Biographical Dictionary of American Mayors 1820-1980." Four books on Chicago mayors followed: "The Making of the Mayor, Chicago 1983;" "Bashing Chicago Traditions: Harold Washington's Last Campaign;" "Restoration: Chicago Elects Another Daley;" and "The Mayors: The Chicago Political Tradition." He received national coverage and recognition for his book "The American Mayor: The Best and Worst Big City Leaders".

Other books include:
* "Detroit"
* "The Ethnic Frontier: From Mid-Century to Millennium"
* "A View from City Hall"
* "The University of Illinois at Chicago"
* "World War II Chicago" and
* "The Wizard of Washington: Emil Hurja, Franklin Roosevelt and the Birth of Public Opinion Polling."

Dr. Holli had many diverse interests in his life. He enjoyed: spending time with family and friends, helping others, reading, learning, Finnish culture, traveling, skiing (he skied well into his late 60s), fishing, hunting, taking saunas/swimming, and spending time at his cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Survivors include his wife, Dr. Betsy B. Holli, a son Steven (Jeanine), a daughter Susan (Christopher) Swinford, grandchildren Holli and Alexander Swinford, his brother David (Patricia) Holli, his sister Marilyn (Samuli) Savolainen, his sister-in-law Jane Oakes, many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Anderson Auditorium at the Wyndemere Retirement Community at 200 Wyndemere Circle, Wheaton, IL on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association , 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601; or to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame , 610 Palms Avenue, Ishpeming, MI 49849.