Dewey F Holden, age 90, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin died Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 at The Renaissance Assisted Living Facility in Wisconsin Rapids.
Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Interment will be at the White Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. A luncheon and reception will follow at the Big Flats Town Hall from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Dewey was born June 1, 1931, in White Creek, Wisconsin to Herbert and Agnes Holden.
He married Donna Holden (Fairfield) of Nekoosa in 1951 in Racine, Wisconsin. They lived in Racine County until the mid-1980’s where they raised their family. Following their retirement, they returned to Nekoosa and most recently to Wisconsin Rapids.
Dewey was always one to revel in telling stories of his youth to anyone that would listen, especially the waitresses at many local restaurants. Driving the cement block truck at Hazley’s and chauffeuring the boss’s wife at 14 with no license. Spinning cars down all sorts of Nekoosa area back roads. He always showed that he was a bigger man than his 5 foot frame displayed. Never backing down from a fight or a challenge. He had many jobs in his time, taxi driver, Hamilton Beech line worker, custodian, and retired as a Stacker Fork Truck Driver after 16 yrs at Massey Ferguson in Racine.
Dewey enjoyed doing things himself. He called himself a “tinkerer” If he needed something he would build it. From making his own paving brinks, sheds, landscaping a beautiful tree and flower garden out of a rye field at 10515 S. Hollywood road, or making incredibly detailed wooden cars and toys to sell at the craft shop. (A great deal of building for an 8th grade education and a guy that was never taught how to read a tape measure.) In addition, he was an avid stock car racing and fight fan. In the seventies he pioneered recording one while watching the other!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert & Agnes Holden; Wife Donna Holden (Fairfield); infant daughter, Dawn Holden; daughter Diane Castillo; grandson, Aric Gatling, great-granddaughter Angie; brothers Melvin (Mary, Martha), John (Nancy, Lavon) & Leon (Mary, Judy, Nancy); sisters Thelma & Donna( Don), and brother-in-law Bill Ostrum.
Survivors:
Daughter: Darlene (Mel) Larsen of Racine, Wisconsin
Son: Darrell (Sondra) Holden of Ecuador, South America
Son: Darwin Holden of California
Son: Darin (Sandy) Holden of Plymouth, Wisconsin
Special Nephew: Terry (Sue) Fairfield of Arkdale, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Carol (Ron) Booher
Grandson: Domingo Garcia
Granddaughter: Bea (David) Spicer
Granddaughter: Hope Castillo
Grandson: Troy (Ann) Holden
Granddaughter: Jennifer L’hote
Grandson: Kevin Larsen
Grandson: Colin (Shenandoah) Gatling
Grandson: Zach Holden
Sister: Francis (Bill) Ostrum
Further survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and in-laws
A special thank you to Terry & Sue, and the staff at Renaissance who showered Dewey with loving care.
I only knew my Uncle Dewey from afar. I’m the daughter of Dewey’s older brother Melvin Holden. After the Navy in 1948 my dad relocated to California where he married and raised us kids (6). I got to meet Uncle Dewey and my cousins on the few occasions when we visited family in Wisconsin. I have some sweet family photos and stories to remember him by. I’m grateful that I have reunited in recent years with cousin Darlene, and other cousins in the family. I’m learning a lot through them about our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended family members. It’s wonderful…
With my deepest sympathy 🕊🌿🌹
Janet Holden Ramos, Ron Ramos
and the Holden’s from California
Deepest condolences to the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
When we visited Grandpa he was always working hard in the workshop and yard, which was so beautiful to me. I loved all the things he created and Hope still has some cars and trucks that were made for us as kids. I remember going to the derby when I was about 5 and having so much fun. This weekend I’m going to my first NASCAR race in his memory. I always loved hearing his voice on the phone, especially the last conversation we had. He was an interesting person and I’m going to miss him.
We are very sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts go out to the family.
The family was a neighbor on Racine Kenosha County Line Road for years. Sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences to Dewey’s family, his sister Frances and family. Cherish always the memories. He is in good hands with the Lord.
Our deepest condolences to the Holden family. I am sorry I will be out of town when the services are held, but know that we are there in spirit. My favorite memory is one of an Anniversary party for Dewey and his sweet wife Donna. The family all together and beautiful music provided by a Gospel Group from Wisconsin. It was a wonderful day that is still embedded in my cherished memories. God bless the entire family as you remember your father.
I rarely saw Dewey without a hat on. He loved to tell the stories of his life. A fulfilling and exciting one. His workshop was amazing with technology that he did his woodworking in. All made by him. I was given two treasures a wooden car and a NOEL Christmas ornament he made & Donna had painted. Dewey was a grown man by the time I got to know him. He loved his family and went where the jobs were to support them. Dewey will truly be missed by all who knew him. I will never forget the times we had together. My condolences and sympathy to his family. May God be with you now and in the days ahead. Memories & love last forever. Sue (Byers) Lawrence