Harold W. Holdefer

Harold W. Holdefer obituary, Des Moines, IA

Harold W. Holdefer

Harold Holdefer Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sunset Memorial Chapel - Des Moines on Feb. 7, 2024.
Harold Wayne Holdefer, 73, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, at Calvin Community Health Center.
Harold was born in Centerville Iowa, February 4, 1951, to Harold William Holdefer and Mary Loucille Holdefer (Dolinsek).
He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1969 and moved on to work several jobs and finally retired from the Des Moines Public Library, where he worked as the head maintenance engineer.
He married Martha Jean Holdefer (Barr) of Des Moines, Iowa July 7, 1972, they shared 49 wonderful years together, and had 3 wonderful sons.
He was a 26-year veteran of the Iowa Air National Guard where he retired as CMSgt of the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines, IA. He had many hobbies that he enjoyed. He loved to assist his sons with many household projects and was a self-taught carpenter, electrician, plumber, and auto mechanic. In his later years he greatly enjoyed becoming a grandpa and great grandpa and learned the knack of babysitting his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Harold is survived by his mother, Mary Holdefer, 3 sons Mark Holdefer (Diana), Matt Holdefer (Kathi) and Jeff Holdefer (Jason). He also leaves behind 8 Grandchildren, 8 Great-Grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 49 years, Matha Holdefer and Father Harold William Holdefer.
Visitation will be at Sunset Memorial Chapel on February 8, 2024, from 4pm-7pm. He will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens on February 9, 2024, at 10am.
"THERE ARE SOME WHO BRING A LIGHT SO GREAT TO THE WORLD, THAT EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE GONE THE LIGHT REMAINS" – Author unknown

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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February 9, 2024

Zita Lovell posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2024

Ron Tomlinson posted to the memorial.

February 7, 2024

Sunset Memorial Chapel - Des Moines posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Zita Lovell

February 9, 2024

My condolences to the family. I knew Harold from the 132 FW. Always a pleasure to run in to him. Such a good guy. RIP my friend. Zita Lovell ,132FW.

Ron Tomlinson

February 9, 2024

Sending warm thoughts and prayers to the Harold Holdefer family at this tough time. I worked with and took over his team when he retired from the 132d. Harolds teachings and advice have been central in my life, personally and professionally. I asked him once, as he was sitting behind his desk twirling his hair, what he was doing. His reply was simply "sometimes you have to sit and think when you are a leader". Sarcastic as he could be, I took this one to heart and have practiced and passed this along to many budding leaders.
Harold was a great man....

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Sunset Memorial Chapel - Des Moines

7601 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA 50321

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Sign Harold Holdefer's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 9, 2024

Zita Lovell posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2024

Ron Tomlinson posted to the memorial.

February 7, 2024

Sunset Memorial Chapel - Des Moines posted an obituary.