Holland C. ("Dutch") Mersereau

MERSEREAU, Holland C. (“Dutch”) Holland C. (“Dutch”) Mersereau, an aircraft engine expert and local historian, died on May 3rd at his home in Kennesaw, GA. He was 83. Dutch began his aviation career in the U.S. Navy, where he was in flight training for F4U Corsairs. After the war he attended Embry Riddle School of Aviation in Miami, FL, where he became a licensed Airframe & Engine Mechanic, then instructor. While there, Dutch was selected to evaluate some of the most advanced jet engines captured from Nazi Germany. He is remembered for welding a V-2 pulsejet engine to the top of a 1939 Plymouth for testing one night on a quiet road in the Florida Everglades. Once the jet engine ignited, he found himself roaring through small towns at over 110 mph, trailing 50 feet of flames and shocked policemen. Shortly afterwards, Dutch was hired by Allison, a division of General Motors, where he served as a jet engine specialist for 38 years. He worked closely with the U.S. Air Force, developing propulsion capabilities and solving engine problems on aircraft ranging from the F-89 to the C-130 turboprop. While living in Alaska during the 1950s, Dutch killed a 1,200 lb moose with a .357 revolver to feed his young family. He went on to work with companies and air forces throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Dutch and his wife of 62 years, Joanne, retired in 1986 and moved to Kennesaw, GA where they built a home at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain. They shared a love of the community’s rich Civil War history, were members of the North Georgia Relic Club and served on the Board of the Marietta Confederate Cemetery. Dutch was honored in 1995 for his service as Chairman of the Kennesaw Mountain Historical Association. Dutch and Joanne shared a passion for travel and aviation, were both licensed pilots, and flew throughout the country in their Cessna. They met in high school in Sarasota, FL, where Dutch was President of the Senior Class, Captain of the football team, and javelin State Champion. Dutch grew up in New Hampshire, where he was an accomplished hunter, swimmer and skier, serving on the Ski Patrol. He played the trumpet in his New Hampshire church and later in the U.S. Navy Band. He was an active Ham Radio operator (K4YRO), and served as a Scoutmaster with Marietta Troop 433, helping his sons become Eagle Scouts during the 1960s. Dutch is survived by his loving wife Joanne and their four children: Jane Sancho of Mercersburg, PA; Stephen Mersereau of Stamford, CT; David Mersereau of Anchorage, AK; and Rebecca Mersereau of Marietta, GA. They have nine grandchildren including Steven and Andrea Sancho of Columbia, SC; Gage Mersereau of New York City, NY; Catherine Mersereau of Los Angeles, CA; Anson, Lena and Cole Mersereau of Stamford, CT; and Austin and Iden Mersereau of Anchorage, AK. A graveside service will be held at the Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery in Marietta on Saturday, May 8th at 3:00PM, with Rev. Dean Taylor officiating.

Holland C. ("Dutch") Mersereau

May 6, 2010