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BORN
1943
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
June Holeman Obituary
June was born June 11, 1943 to Leland H. and Evelyn M. (Bristol) Leach.
She was raised on the ranch west of Arcadia and received her education at Spring Creek Rural School and Arcadia High School. She never lived more than a mile from the home place which she was raised on.
Her passion of horses started at an early age. When she was three, she rode her horse to town to get an ice cream cone. Boy, was her brother Laddie in trouble.
June married the love of her life, Donnie. To this union were born two daughters and a son. They logged many countless miles as a rodeo team, Don roping calves and June competing in barrel racing.
June was very proud of her children and grandchildren's accomplishments as they pursued their future lives.
She was a homemaker with a passion for cooking, gardening and canning, especially dill pickles! June and Don enjoyed family gatherings and always had their cooler full of homemade goodies. When anyone came to the family home, they were always welcome and June could whip up a meal quite quickly!
June won numerous NCRA, NSRA, and M-SRA championships during her rodeo reign from the 1960s to 2018. After her children graduated, she pursued the GRA, which later became the WPRA. She won several Prairie Circuit Championships, qualified for the NFR in 2005 on Sparky Impression and qualified for the first RFD TV's "The American" rodeo on a home raised and trained super horse "Tallboy!" June also won many championships in the NBHA, the BBR and the NE-4d associations, along with many other associations.
June was known for her presence in the local sale barns speculating on roping calves for the purpose of training many successful calf horses with her husband. In the early years, she was seen reading a book while her Daddy slept through some of those sales!
During the last few years, June had been mentoring some of the next generation of rodeo stars. Her goals never stopped and just a few short weeks ago she was making plans to ride that new up and coming star at the Cheyenne Frontier Days next year!
Funeral services will be Tuesday Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Arcadia High School. Burial will be in the Lee Park Cemetery near Arcadia. Visitation will be Monday, August 6 at the Arcadia High School, 3-8 p.m. with the family greeting friends 5-8 p.m.. Memorials are suggested to the Arcadia Fire and Rescue. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.
Survivors include her loving supporting husband Donnell of Arcadia; her son Donnell (Lacy) Holeman of Carpenter, Wyo; her daughter Teresa (Steve) McCormick of Lewellen; her son-in-law Gene (Shari) Mohr of Kimball; four grandchildren Abby L. Ford, Blake McCormick, Justin Mohr and Jaden Mohr; a sister-in-law Arlene Leach of Arcadia; and a brother-in-law Willy Dalby of North Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Tammy; a brother; and a sister.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the United Church of Christ. Govier Brothers are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com.
Memories and Condolences
for June Holeman
Sponsored by Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Broken Bow.
70 Entries
Jan Neitz
September 2, 2018
June was such an inspiration to me. I started training an older horse and got back to riding everyday (age 63) after watching her run at The American. She will be missed by us all.
Bob Schmitz
August 8, 2018
June was a fantastic barrow racer and she will be missed.
Sharon Kelly
August 8, 2018
Prayers to the family...
Kim Johnson
August 8, 2018
Prayers to the family. I met June at the WPRA Finals in Waco, TX a few years back. Sat and ate with her during the contestants dinner. We had such an awesome conversation. She is my inspiration that at 50 I still have a lot of years left in the saddle and if you work hard enough at it dreams will come true. June was an amazing horsewoman and she will be turning and burning the gates of heaven. She will be truly missed.
Don and Karen Hendrickson
August 7, 2018
Prayers for all of the family!!
Ami Moran
August 7, 2018
May God hold you Mrs June and your family.
Charmaine Miller
August 7, 2018
June, You were an inspiration to me. I would say rest in peace, but I know that's just not your style. You'll be racing in heaven and winning too. God bless your family. My condolences to them.
Patty Finney
August 7, 2018
June was a true inspiration to us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family.
Tana (Svoboda) Brinkman
August 7, 2018
Remembering an extremely talented and gritty woman✝
Carole Wilbeck
August 7, 2018
What a hero June was! True Nebraskan, loved her family (including horses), and earned her status as a barrel racing legend--especially as a woman and into her 70s, which was so inspiring for my daughter to know her. I will remember our barn girls holding up a banner for "Grandma June" when she ran at the rodeo inside Lincoln's Pinnacle Bank Arena. Smart gal, with her signature blue that matched her twinkling eyes. And I loved seeing June's rig, as it symbolized her dedication to the sport. Her expertise was famous, and I'm so glad we have a friend in her granddaughter, Abby Ford, who carries on that wonderful spirit.
Pamela Nale
August 7, 2018
At the BBR Finals , one year, I saw Ms June sitting there in the coliseum before the race. No one else around, so I got the courage up to introduce myself and asked if I could visit with her, of course she said yes! She was so kind and gracious, and that memory will forever be with me. Condolences to her family and friends and may the Lords peace carry you through the days and weeks ahead.
Joyce Moore
August 7, 2018
Beautiful lady, may you rest in peace!
Tammy Dillon
August 7, 2018
God bless you Ms. June. Fly high with the Angel's. You changed my life with a wonderful horse and the pleasure of knowing you. Prayers to the family.
Wendy Gorden
August 7, 2018
She was a queen and touched so many lives on her journey in life. She will be greatly missed by friends family and the barrel racing community may she walk among the greats and ride her horses to new heights RIP June
Mary Scott
August 7, 2018
My sincere sympathy! Mary Scott, Greeley
Leigh McDonald
August 7, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Im praying for you all. I got to meet Mrs June at the BBR finals last year. She was the sweetest person. She was a true cowgirl and a role model to so many. And I will miss seeing her at shows. Shes running in the greatest Rodeo of them all in the Sky.
Dani Zimbelman
August 6, 2018
June was such a inspiration to me as a trainer. Her methods sometimes made me laugh, and sometimes sit back and just wonder. How in the world does that work?? She always amazed me. And one of the hardest working, most humble people I ever knew. Loved racing with her and learning from her. Such a great mentor. Blessed to have known her.
David, Cassie and Addy Moseley
August 6, 2018
Fly high sweet lady.... you were one of the most amazing and toughest barrel racers we ever had the pleasure of meeting!
Linda Lynch
August 6, 2018
We are all going to miss you Miss June. I will never forget your outgoing spirit and enthusiasm for barrel racing and just living life. Until we meet again cowgirl. Good bye.
Judi Raymond
August 6, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. June's legacy will not be forgotten. A True Ledgend.
Tammy Peterson
August 6, 2018
Words cant express how much June impacted my life. She was so helpful when I bought Moose and was always willing to offer pointers at any time. Thank you so much to the Holeman family for sharing her with all of us, she was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed!!! God gained a wonderful LADY!!!
Bill and Jackie Huber
August 6, 2018
June was a class act lady always smiling and doing what she loved.
Laura Perez
August 6, 2018
Wonderful lady. I'm sure you are chasing cans on sparky through the clouds. God speed june
Karen Coskrey
August 6, 2018
June you were such an inspiration to so many. Myself included. I was so honored to meet you and share some laughs with you a few years ago. You will be deeply missed.
Dawn DeBolt-Neighbors
August 6, 2018
Prayers & peace to this wonderful tough cowgirl, June Holeman RIP
May her family find comfort in all their great memories of their spent with June, she will be riding forever in the beautiful blue sky in heaven.
God bless,
Karen Lambert
August 6, 2018
June was a inspiration to all barrel racing women an girls from all over she will be dearly missed by this ole barrel racing cowgirl
Sue Karges
August 6, 2018
I can hear Hadley Barrett calling Ms June down the alley on Sparky. "June Holeman come a runnin. Your fees are paid". Will sure miss you here. Thank you.
Melissa Brouillette
August 6, 2018
She was tough as nails, a true cowgirl, fierce competitor, and she didnt let anyone intimidate her. She was truly an ambassador for the sport of barrelracing and represented Nebraska well! Rest easy, and I believe that she and Sparky are tearing it up in heaven !
Starla Ott
August 6, 2018
Donnie and Family, June was the true definition of Cowgirl! A true inspiration to all and I valued her friendship. She was always so willing to give advice and help her competition. You, your family and all her friends have so many wonderful memories of a beautiful soul. Will be thinking of all of you in the days ahead - it is so difficult to let a loved one go. Hugs and Prayers.
Lin Miller
August 6, 2018
I feel blessed for having had the opportunity to know June, she will always be an inspiration and role model. Tough as nails, and though she had achieved so much, she always had time to chat and encourage those around her. A friend that was there with a kind word when things were tough, or a get ya going talking to if needed... truly a one of a kind lady who is greatly missed.
Mary Ash
August 6, 2018
Dear friends,
Our prayers are with you all. June was a true inspiration to all who knew her. We were so proud to cheer her on at the American ! God bless.
Sincerely, Mary and Duane Ash
Carol Goostree
August 6, 2018
June was one of a kind. She was her own person and she was excellent at what she did! She was admired by many and she will always be remembered!
Jerry & Viki Schnacker
August 6, 2018
To one of the greatest legends to always be remembered in every Rodeo arena local & out of states rodeos around. June might be gone but never forgotten. Our deapest sympathy goes to The whole family. May God Bless you all❤
Lanita Peirce
August 6, 2018
June was a true cowgirl. She was always ready to help when I was the Prairie Circuit director and could out run you at any rodeo she entered.. She will truly be missed but never forgotten as one of the greats in our profession.. You will forever ride the best now.
Rob & Jean Pierson
August 6, 2018
Rob and I want to send our deepest sympathies to the family. June was a wonderful, spitfire of a woman and a class act to boot. May you find peace during this time of sorrow.
Linda Pearson
August 6, 2018
June will always be in the hearts of all of us who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing her.
KENT MURRAY
August 6, 2018
OUR THOUGHTS AND CONDOLENCES ARE WITH THE HOLEMAN AND LEACH FAMILIES....
Mike Max
August 6, 2018
So SORRY to hear of June's passing. She was one of the classiest women I've met.
Kally Wininger
August 6, 2018
Donnie, and family - My words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel of learning of the loss June. I wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. My hugs and prayers are sent from long distance but heartfelt and sincere.
Love You!
Tammy Spech-Foral
August 6, 2018
Thank you for being you and always having time for me!!! We will all miss seeing our favorite barrel racer but know you are in a beautiful place with family and all of your amazing horses, including, the great Sparky! Until we meet again, Cowgirl- Love and miss you!
Prayers of support and encouragement to June's amazing family. What a blessing she was to all who knew her!!
Sincerely, Tammy (Spech) Foral
Robbin Bullington
August 6, 2018
She will always be a GREAT lady !!!
Deb Christy
August 6, 2018
June was always one of my favorites - her fierce competitive spirit was so inspirational. She was always kind and encouraging to me and I enjoyed competing with her. Through the tears and sadness, we are reminded that she went out doing what she loved. She and Sparky are united once again!
Mary P
August 6, 2018
To a life well loved and well lived. Rest easy my hero.
Theresa Stanley
August 6, 2018
My deepest condolences.
Teena Davisson
August 6, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Peggy Sand
August 6, 2018
Thankyou for the person you were. I grew up watching you race and finally got to meet you at Topeka, KS. I know you are with our Father in heaven now. I will miss watching you ride and my heart aches. Praying for peace for friends and family.
Kris Hanson
August 6, 2018
Over days, and weeks ahead may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. We carried many buckets of water together for our horses. I'll miss her indomitable spirit. We've all been blessed to know her. God took the best angel from the earth too soon.
Patty Jestes
August 6, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Gregg and Susan McGreer
August 6, 2018
Love prayers and condolences to all
Joyce Roston
August 5, 2018
Such a sweet sweet lady and a true inspiration to barrel racers of all ages. I had the privilege of visiting with her a few times at the barrel races, so thankful to have had that opportunity. She will definitely be missed, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Gloria Philp
August 5, 2018
We will all miss the toughest barrel racer I've known. June always trained good horses and inspired us all with her great attitude, smile , and kind words.
Jill Evans
August 5, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Connie Snover
August 5, 2018
Will be missed sympathy and prayers Connie and John Snover
Lisa Kinderknecht
August 5, 2018
Enjoyed hauling and just spending time visiting with June, she taught me so much. She will be in my heart always, god has the most beautiful angel,.
Ronda Hilker
August 5, 2018
Our sincere sympathies. She was an Unforgettable Inspiration...June lived life to its fullest and she had an amazing ride. We are keeping Junes family and friends close to our hearts in thought and prayers. Until we meet again...with love and respect; Shane and Ronda Hilker
Shannon Nocera
August 5, 2018
June, you are gone too soon and will be missed by many who cherished and admired your way and love of life. Love, Shannon ❤
Cindy Berner-Schlichte
August 5, 2018
What a great woman and role model for others. May she RIP. My sympathies to her family. May we each spread a little of June's reflection each day.
Deb Clark
August 5, 2018
June was a great woman and inspiration to us all. I, along with so many, will miss her so much. Prayers and love to all her family. Deb Clark
Debra Curtis
August 5, 2018
I met June 48 yrs ago , and thought if I could one time just run second to her I would be accomplishing something . I looked up to her then , and then she became my inspiration.
Ravina Green
August 5, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful lady and legacy. We will love you and miss you always.
Peggy (from Dairy Queen) Coon
August 5, 2018
June will be greatly missed. One of my favorite customers. Loved her smile. Prayers for Donnie and family.
Sheree Swedberg
August 5, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike and Shelly Kirby
August 5, 2018
June will be missed. God has a new angel
Barb Hotz
August 5, 2018
June was an amazing lady and fierce competitor! My Gods love shine and strengthen you all at this difficult time.
Kristi Chessmore
August 5, 2018
Loved watching her! She was always striving to be better. Thank you June for showing me how what it looked like to truly "ride."
Becki Mask
August 5, 2018
June was an amazing woman who had such a great impact on the barrel racing world as well as the world in general! Her horsemanship and her ability to train horses was something that was unmatched! I was blessed to have met her several times and she was truly an inspiration to all! Prayers for June's friends and family in their time of grievance.
Marilyn Cleveland
August 5, 2018
Donnie, Teresa, Abby, and family - my heartfelt sympathy to all of you as you begin a new chapter in your lives cherishing and sharing memories of June. My hugs are long distance but sincere.
Barbara Fieldgrove
August 5, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 70 of 70 results
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Memorial Events
for June Holeman
Aug
6
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Arcadia High School
NE
Aug
7
Funeral service
10:30 a.m.
Arcadia High School
NE
Funeral services provided by:
Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Broken Bow542 South 9th Ave., Broken Bow, NE 68822
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