Edwin Holdren

Robert Edwin Holdren was born January 6, 1919, to Robert and Florence (Sutherland) Holdren, the 4th of 6 children born to this union. One sister, Garnet, died in early childhood, before Edwin was born. Others in the family were – Guy, George, Florence Marie, and Charles.

Edwin grew to manhood southwest of Montrose. He was very proud to have been living on the homestead of his Grandparents. He enjoyed the usual chores and farm work common to his generation. He also enjoyed hunting, horse back ridding, and other outdoor pursuits. Edwin attended Montrose schools, graduating from Montrose Rural High School in May of 1938.

On May 1, 1939, Edwin married his best friend and the love of his life, Ruth Alice Jacobs. Beginning married life on the farm where he was born. At this time his parents moved to Montrose.

Edwin and Ruth were blessed with four children – Walt, 1940; Mary, 1943; Betty, 1947; and Janet, 1953.

Ruth and Edwin observed their 72nd Wedding Anniversary one week before Edwin’s death, on Sunday, May 8, 2011, at Hilltop Lodge, Beloit, Kansas, where they had moved at the age of 90 due to declining health.

Edwin is survived by his wife, Ruth of Beloit; son- Walt and wife, Vergaline Holdren of Mankato, Kansas: three daughters – Mary Folsom of Maize, Kansas, Betty and husband Bill Meis of Hays, Kansas, and Janet and husband, David Wilcox of Beloit, Kansas: 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Florence LazCano of Stockton, California; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence Holdren; three brothers – Guy, George and Charles; sister – Garnet; and one great-granddaughter – Cheryl.

Edwin had many interests. He loved fishing, especially with his grandsons and in later years an interest in clocks and building a huge collection of Antique clocks. He was a skilled woodworker, which he and his wife enjoyed together.

His greatest love of all was his family and we will all miss him.

A celebration of life service for Robert Edwin Holdren will be (was) held Friday, May 13, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Mr. Robert Cartwright, a nephew, officiating. Mrs. Rosalie Menhusen played the organ, and Roxanne Kimminau will sing (sang) Lord’s Prayer. Other music that had special meaning in the service is (was) “Go Rest High on the Mountain,” “Daddy’s Hands,” “Sissy’s Song,” and “Home on the Range.” Casket bearers will be (were): Eric Folsom, Brian Meis, Todd Kimminau, Blake Vacura, Branden Simms, and Mike Wolsieffer. Interment will be (was) in Pleasant View Cemetery, Montrose, rural Mankato, Kansas. The family suggests memorials be made to Jewell County Historical Society Museum or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of service arrangements.