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David V. Holmes

FUNERAL HOME

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory

4600 County Line Rd.

Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin

David Holmes Obituary

WFH - All Saints on Saturday, December 27, 2014, with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife, Cathleen; his sons, Joshua (Stacie) Holmes, Raena (Erik) Karolus, Fritz (Katie) Holmes; his grandchildren, Finja, Evan, Luna and Finnegan all of Racine. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Holmes of California; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom (Suzan) Schober of Green Bay, Bill (Lisa) Schober of Chicago, John (Ann) Schober of Iowa, Prudy (Chris) Smith of North Carolina; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and former students. He was preceded in death by their infant son, Caleb, and his mother and father, the late Raynor and Dorothy (nee: David was born on November 27, 1945 in upstate Newark, New York. After he graduated from Temple University, Tyler School of Art, he earned his MFA at the University of Wisconsin, where he met Cathleen, also an art student. They were married in Milwaukee on March 22, 1975. David began his career as an Art Professor at UW Parkside in 1977, and dedicated his life to art and art education. His work was recognized in 2013 with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the visual arts in Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held in the summer at the Holmestead Cabin, date to be announced. An art scholarship in David’s name is established through the Educators Credit Union in Racine for those wishing to contribute to a memorial. Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory 4600 County Line Rd. Mt. Pleasant, WI 53403 552-9000 www.draeger-langendorf.com

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Published by Racine Journal Times on Dec. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for David Holmes

38 Entries

Stephanie (Ames) Finley

January 17, 2015

My condolences to the Holmes family. My folks (Sam & Marilyn Ames) went to college with David, and he was always spoken highly of in our home. Especially at Christmastime, when we'd eagerly open a fantastically illustrated Holmes Christmas greeting! May God grant you deep comfort; eternal rest grant unto David.

Noreene Pearl Stahlecker (Gorall)

January 13, 2015

I just recently heard of David's death. We were in High School together in Newark, New York. David was always a kind person, a gentle soul with a wicked sense of humor and amazing artistic talent. David was an asset to our school and to our community. It was good to see him at our 50th reunion. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you on your loss. We can believe that when we look to the sky when it is full of color that David will be looking down upon us. Peace to David and to all of you.

January 10, 2015

David was a good friend in high school. Glad I got to see him last fall at the 50th reunion. So sorry for your loss of a great man.

Dick Proseus

January 8, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Holmes family....I'm sure he will be dearly missed! (A fellow artist and high-school friend!)
Carol Foxenburgh

Class of '64

January 8, 2015

On behalf on Newark High School's Class of '64, please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of such a memorable person. We were so fortunate to have been able to spend time with Dave and you, Cathleen at our reunion this summer. Please know that many thoughts are with you and yours at this difficult time. Dave was a star when we knew him and now his brilliance will continue to shine down on us all. Blessings

Karen (Malonee) Peltier

January 6, 2015

To Cathleen, Josh, Raena & Fritz:
My deepest sympathy to you and yours. David was a wonderful man to know at Parkside. Praying for you.

Josephine

January 6, 2015

My deepest sympathies to family, friends, students and colleagues. His 'works' of art touched all in inspiring wonderments of joy. Thank you for sharing David with all of us and thank you David for sharing yourself and your art with this world. You leave this world more beautiful for your being here.

January 6, 2015

I am so sad to hear of the loss of David Holmes to his family and the community. Although I was inspired and amazed by his art, what impressed me most about David was his kind and generous soul. His humor and creativity will live on in all of his artwork displayed on campus, in the community and in our homes. His kindness will live on in our hearts.
-Debra Karp, UW-Parkside

Tara Schmidt

January 5, 2015

Dear Holmes Family,

My deepest sympathies go out you. I always enjoyed his wit and uplifting outlook on life. He was a fantastic artist and an inspiration to all. He will never be forgotten for his devotion to the Arts and and to the University of Wisconsin Parkside.

Dave N

January 3, 2015

It was a grest privilege to have been in his class. I loved seeing his murals in some of the schools around town. He will be greatly missed.y condolences to the family.

Robert (Bob) PUM

January 3, 2015

Very Sad News to read and hear of the passing away of Art Prof Holmes , . . . an "Awesome & Aesthetic" Artist, and Art Colleague Pal of mine. He was an " Inspiration" to many young Art Students at the UWGB Summer Art Camps for numerous years. Condolences to the Family and Friends-of-Art ! ( Prof-Emeritus-Ret: Bob PUM).

Sam, ICU RN

January 3, 2015

So incredibly sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man by what you've told me, and you were a great family to spend time with. My deepest sympathies.

Curt Pruitt

January 2, 2015

Cathy, Josh, Raena & Fritz...

You have my condolences. I moved TO Racine and David is one of the first people who welcomed me to the community.
You know that his name is synonomous with quality art in S.E. Wisconsin and I've never thought of him not being here. My family and I have always enjoyed the whole Holmes experience, whether in Racine, Kenosha or Hayward and your loss will be felt by many.
We all know that our loved ones are loaned to us by our creator. I hope you'll carry the joy that David brought long after your sadness has has eased.
He will always be a great memory for many, many people who care about you.

Love, CP

January 2, 2015

David was a fantastic Art Professor, honored to have him - will miss him and his artwork/creativity immensely. TimC

Amy Norgaard

January 2, 2015

Sending my deepest condolences to the Holmes family.

January 2, 2015

Professor Holmes was such a brilliant artist, friend and mentor. He will live on through his art and memories we all share of him. He always made us laugh and was a wealth of knowledge. I'm glad I had the opportunity to be one of his students at UWP. May you RIP Prof. Holmes and my sincere condolences and prayers to your family and friends. (I'm sure you are creating art in heaven right along with Professor Matthew Bynum who we also lost too soon). Forever in our hearts

-Amber Kish

January 1, 2015

He was one of the most sensible & caring people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Best to his family. He was a cool guy (& he would smile at that thought).

judi golombowski

January 1, 2015

David you are the best. I will miss your kind heart. Long live your creative sprite in all of your students. Have a great new journey playing with the clouds.

Brenda Raab

January 1, 2015

What a heartbreaking loss. David was a wonderful professor and a big influence in my college career. I am thankful to have known him.

Rob Miller

January 1, 2015

May this difficult time bring the family closer together, in as David would not allow sorrow, only celebration of life.
David's physical body may not be with us anymore, but there is no doubt that his big personality, wealth of knowledge & creativity has left little "pockets of David" everywhere. As we run into these memories, you can bet that we most likely will shake our heads a little, & put on a big ole grin. What a guy.

Louise Jones

January 1, 2015

Sorry for your loss. David was always so funny and you could expect the unexpected. Still have my frog laying on a lily pad. RIP my friend.

Dineshi Burchi

January 1, 2015

My favorite professor at Parkside from almost 20 years ago. As a foreign student new to the US and self-taught artist, he always made me feel welcome in his classroom and I loved his fun art classes. My sympathies to his family

Amanda Pfender

December 31, 2014

Professor Holmes was and will always be an extraordinary artist. He welcomed me with laughter and kindness. It was a joy having known him. May he paint the sky every day now. My many condolences on the loss of a kind man.

Christina Spears

December 31, 2014

My prayers are with you and your family

Vikki Doneva

December 31, 2014

Deepest sympathies to his family and friends. His genuine spirit, extraordinary kindness and wonderful art will be greatly missed, but remembered and will serve as inspiration for everyone who knew him.

Michael Snider

December 31, 2014

Deepest sympathies to David's family. He was a gentle man, a gifted artist, and a friend. God bless those of us left behind.

Erika Subrod

December 31, 2014

Professor Holmes (Sir) was a magnificent human being and a bloody brilliant artist. He was one of a kind. I'm glad there is a little of David everywhere. School walls, galleries, museums, living rooms, and most of all, our hearts.

Eric Easthon

December 31, 2014

I'm so sad to hear he has left us. He was a great mentor and teacher of mine. I will remember all he has taught me about art, life and friendship. Very sad news.

Mary Moss

December 31, 2014

Dang, David. Too soon, my friend.

Cathy

December 31, 2014

Cathy

December 31, 2014

Cathy

December 31, 2014

Cathy

December 31, 2014

I am beyond sad to hear this news. He was one of the nicest and most talented people I knew. My love to the family.

Julie King

Kollis Branch

December 31, 2014

David is responsible for so much of who I am as an artist. He always knew just the right way to light the path ahead so that I could find my way. His quotes and sense of humor are legendary.

Even after my time with him in the classroom, he continued to be a valued mentor and took a keen interest in what I was doing.

He leaves an eminence legacy through his work and the countless hearts he touched over many years.

My condolences to his family. May God bless you all.

Wendy Barr

December 31, 2014

So sorry to hear about the lost of this wonderful man! He was truly gifted in so many ways. It's not what he taught me academically (although he was a great teacher)that stands out for me, but his ability to love everyone, and to see beauty in everything, his ability to laugh, even at himself, and his ability to force a person't imagination. He was truly one of my favorite professors and he will be missed by many. I don't know how else to say it. Rest in peace, Valentine! To die is an awfully big adventure. Now you can see for yourself if the angels actually have wings or not.

Joe & Pam Gemin

December 31, 2014

David Holmes was a great guy: brilliant artist, wickedly funny, always with that big smile. A true gentleman. Such a loss for us all.

Mary Mollerskov

December 31, 2014

We will never forget the fun our young son Tim had when he worked with the cub scouts at Fine Arts School. What a talented guy all these years, sharing his love of art. My sympathies.

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