Ronald Gene Holthe, 81, died on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, at Azria Health Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine. He was born on the family farm north of Spink, S.D. on Sept. 27, 1942, to Oscar and Luella (Stene) Holthe. He loved growing up on the farm including playing and working on the farm and with his neighbors. Ron attended North Spink School for eight years and then Alcester High School where he graduated in 1961. He worked construction until he began working as the Culligan soft water man in Yankton, S.D. where he traveled the area as a salesman and repairman. In 1965, Ron accepted Christ as his savior. Ron married Barbara Mead on Dec. 26, 1970. The couple moved to Logan in 1972. He graduated from Iowa Western Community College in Agricultural Business in 1973. Ron worked at Perfection Press as a large machine printer for 25 years until his health forced his retirement in 2002.
Ron served on the Harrison County Landfill Commission, stepped in as the helper with girl scouts and 4H as needed and volunteered with Kiwanis, Crime Stoppers and many recycling organizations. He also coached for several years for coed baseball and was often found in the bleachers at baseball games. Ron attended Logan Christian Church and was involved in several bible studies and other men’s groups. He was baptized in 2021. Ron’s greatest joy was being a great father to his three children: Jonathan, Sarah and Serena. He took part in all their activities from childhood on. Ron took the family on a yearly vacation to see many wonderful places in the United States and Canada. He loved playing and being with his granddaughters, Bria and Emmy, and loved attending their activities and events. Ron and Barb helped care for Ron’s mom in her last years. They also helped care for Barb’s mom in Logan and Alcester before she moved to her son Dan’s home in Michigan. The couple provided care for each other through their illnesses.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin Holthe; nephew, Todd Holthe; and brother-in-law, Dan Mead. He is survived by his wife, Barb; children, Jonathan Holthe and his wife Kelli of Muscatine, Sarah Holthe of Logan and Serena Holthe and her husband Roscoe Jones Jr. of Washington D. C.; grandchildren, Bria and Emmy Holthe; brother, Richard Holthe of Independence, Mo.; nieces and nephews, Lisa Vanbeek, Wendy Lohan, Michael Vanbeek, Chris Holthe, Jennifer Holthe, Katie Holthe, Matt Mead, Nathan Mead, Dan Mead and Froi Mead; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Logan Christian Church in Logan. Pastor Kyle Drown presided over the service. The musical selections were “I Can Only Imagine” by Rick Powell, “It Is Well with My Soul” by Mary Wells, and congregational hymn, “In the Garden”.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
