Bernard "Sonny" Holdwick

Bernard "Sonny" William Holdwick, age 89, of Harbor Beach, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Courtney Manor of Bad Axe with family by his side. Bernard was born at home in Sherman Township on May 14, 1936, to the late Bernard A. "Ben" and Cecelia (Wipping) Holdwick.

Bernard and Violet (Booms) were united in marriage on November 5, 1960, in Helena, MI. They were married for 49 years; she preceded him in death on November 8, 2009.

Sonny was a lifelong farmer and lived all of his days on the farm where he was born. He was also a lifelong parishioner at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth and was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 3823 of Ruth.

Beyond his family and life's work on the farm, Sonny enjoyed a good chicken dinner, playing euchre (preferably with a few lone hands), and taking long, slow crop tours, whether on his own farm on the golf cart or throughout the neighborhood in his old, red Ford pickup.

Bernard is survived by his children: Bonnie (Jerry) Mausolf, Bruce Holdwick, Patrick (Angela) Holdwick, and Janis (David) Stein; seven grandchildren: Kayla (Chris) Treiss, Eric (Rachael) Mausolf, Aaron (Olivia) Mausolf, Seth Holdwick, Alaina (William) Kirby, Allison Stein, and Katelyn Stein; and four great-grandchildren: Eleanor Treiss, Christopher Treiss, Claire Kirby, and Abigail Mausolf.

He is also survived by one sister: Mildred Kaufman; and in-laws, Allen and Alice Depcinski, Beatrice Booms, Carl and Marjorie Booms, and Harv and Jane Learman.

Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Violet; two children, Beverly and David; one infant brother, Vern B. Holdwick; six sisters and their spouses, Grace (Delbert) Burkhard, Catherine Holdwick, Lucy (Louis) Moore, Margaret (Patrick) Jurgess, Doris (Russell) Bowers, and Delores (Lowell) Messing; and in-laws, LaVern Kaufman, Earl Booms, Ray and Rita Depcinski, and Ray and Liz Booms.

The funeral Mass for Bernard Holdwick will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church/Holy Apostles Parish, in Ruth, with Fr. Anthony Pilli officiating. Visitation for Bernard will be on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach, and on Monday, December 22, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial service and burial in the church cemetery will follow in the spring.

Bernard's family extends their gratitude to Courtney Manor of Bad Axe for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Knights of Columbus Council 3823 or the Christian Mothers & Women, both of Ruth.