Milfred "Bubby" Holmes

Milfred "Bubby" Holmes, 69, of Apple Valley, MN, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Charleston, SC. Surrounded by his family and loved ones, he lost his 18-month battle with interstitial lung disease, a condition caused by the autoimmune disease anti-synthetase syndrome.

Milfred was born on September 3, 1954 in Monessen, PA to the late Milfred and Gloria Holmes. He grew up in a loving family with 5 siblings. Milfred attended Monessen High School where he was a standout athlete and high school all-American in football, earning him a football scholarship to the University of Minnesota. Milfred played 4 years for the Gophers and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

After graduating from the U of M, Milfred excelled in a sales career, spending over 20 years at M&M Mars, Inc. where he served as a leading national account manager. Early retirement presented an opportunity for a significant career shift to pursue one of his true passions: helping people. Milfred transitioned into a role as a deputy with Dakota County Corrections and concurrently earned a Master of Arts degree in Human Services and Criminal Justice from Concordia University.

Answering the call to further impact people, he obtained a second Master of Arts degree, this time in Counseling from Adler Graduate School. Milfred used this degree to work as a therapist at the Associated Clinic of Psychology. Up until his diagnosis, he was working in child protection for Hennepin County, dedicating himself to the community where he had previously raised his children.

Milfred was a loving father, an active grandfather, a devoted brother, and a reliable friend. Not just in his work, but in his personal life, Milfred was known for his generosity, big heart and welcoming spirit. Despite his many accolades in life, including several national sales awards and an induction into the Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame, he was a humble man preferring to celebrate the growth and accomplishments of others, rather than focus on his own.

Milfred loved spending time and laughing with his family. He was often the first person on the dance floor, warming up the room with his infectious laugh and gift of gab. He had the ability to instantly make connections with complete strangers and build lasting relationships with people from all walks of life. Outside of enjoying time with his family and making new friends, Milfred was very passionate about horses. A cowboy since he was young, he owned horses throughout his lifetime and built a horse ranch in Western Wisconsin, where he trained and boarded horses in his spare time. Prior to his illness, he discovered a new passion for traveling with his significant other. On their last trip together, he found the strength to ride one final time.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two children, Jason Holmes (Jessica Conner) and Shontay Butler (General) and their mother, Karen Holmes; three grandchildren Jayden Holmes, Legacy Butler, and General Butler IV; his significant other Rachel Borst and her children Marshall and Violette. Milfred will be sadly missed by his siblings; Sherry (Perry) Reed of Pittsburgh, Vicki (Marlon) Wheeler of Monessen, Valencia (Robert) Jackson of Pittsburgh, Stacy White of Pittsburgh, Kent (Tiffani) Holmes of Plum; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Huntington Bank Stadium (Indoor Club Room). Memorial donations may be made in Milfred's name to Black Men Heal at blackmenheal.org, a non-profit organization providing mental healthcare, education and resources to men of color.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the rheumatology staff at the University of Minnesota and the ICU staff at the Medical University of South Carolina for their compassionate care.