Pauline Holmes

Pauline J. Holmes, lovingly known as Perlie by those closest to her, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on September 24, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Born to Paul and Anna Fickenscher January 28, 1935 at the family farm north of Gothenburg, Nebraska, Pauline was a proud graduate of Gothenburg High School. She married Tot Holmes on June 7, 1953 - a union that blossomed into nearly 72 years of marriage marked by deep devotion, shared purpose and unshakable love.

Pauline exemplified the role of caretaker. From a young age, she displayed strength and selflessness, taking on the responsibility of caring for her parents and their home after her mother fell ill. She was a steadfast wife as she cared for her home with Tot, raising their children, Jay and Joni, with love, compassion, and the structure you'd expect from a woman who was in charge of all. She truly enjoyed spending time in her back yard, making the space a beautiful garden to enjoy.

Together, Tot and Pauline founded Holmes Publishing, where Pauline's sharp mind and tireless work ethic were instrumental in building a business rooted in community and storytelling. Whether she was selling ads with fierce determination or running the Gothenburg Baseball concession stand with unmatched efficiency, Pauline brought her whole heart to everything she did.

Never one to sit on the sidelines, she stepped up to the plate as a baseball mom, and later a sports grandma, cheering on her kids and grandkids with pride and passion. Small and mighty in stature, she often took jokes like a champion, allowing her grands to zing her in ways no other person could.

As a talented and accomplished seamstress, Pauline cared deeply for every detail of any garment she sewed. The result of her work was beautifully adorned windows with custom curtains and draperies, as well as meticulously tailored pieces worn by her grandchildren, including Joni's wedding dress.

She lived her faith through quiet acts of service as she devoted her time and heart to the altar committee at the American Lutheran Church, where she lovingly prepared meals and helped serve communion, always finding joy in caring for others.

Pauline treasured her friendships. She was a gracious host, often welcoming friends and neighbors into her home for lively bridge games and long conversations over a strong cup of coffee.

A devoted wife, mother, great grandmother, and friend, Pauline's legacy lives on in her family, who inherited her quick wit, German stubbornness, and unwavering loyalty to those they love. She was a steady force, a savvy negotiator, and woman of deep faith whose life was a reflection of her values: family, friendship, and community.

Pauline was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tot, who passed just a few months earlier on June 1, 2025. For those mourning her loss, it brings comfort to imagine the two of them reunited in heaven, hand in hand once again.

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her children, Jay and Suzanne Holmes, and Joni and Noel Jacobsen; grandchildren Sarah Jacobsen, Rebecca Jacobsen, Cassie Kinney, Kiel and Brooke Holmes, Kelsey and Brendyn Kaintz, and Kyndal Holmes; and great-grandchildren Jack and Evan Kinney, Lena and Collin Waldron, Raylin Steward, Rory Holmes, and August Kaintz.

A celebration of Pauline's life will be held on October 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, NE with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember a life so beautifully lived and so deeply loved.

Memorials in Pauline's honor may be directed to the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department.