Robert Claire Holck

A loving dad, grandpa, papaw and OG, Robert Claire "Bob" Holck, 85, a longtime Martinsville, Indiana resident, entered eternal rest peacefully in his home with loved ones by his side on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Bob was born Tuesday, August 20, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late R. Claire and Rachael (Rohde) Holck. Spending much of his childhood in Iowa, Chicago, Wisconsin and California, Bob eventually made his home in Martinsville, where he proudly raised his family.

He graduated from Martinsville High School and attended Iowa State Teachers College. Shortly thereafter, Bob worked in Chicago driving a limousine transporting aircraft crews to the Chicago airport. He also served his country honorably in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), serving on active duty from January 3, 1963, until October 31, 1966.

Bob was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Martinsville, American Legion Post #230 and was previously active with the Single Action Shooting Society. He spent most of his life working in sales, first selling home building products and later selling funeral supplies while working for Esco Chemical Company and Messenger Funeral Supply.

Bob enjoyed volunteering his time at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis and was a dedicated member of the American Legion Lunch Crew, where he enjoyed daily lunches while always sporting his suspenders, one of his many watches and his famous personalized lunchtime bib. In fact, he made sure each member of the lunch crew had one of his custom bibs as well.

One of Bob's favorite hobbies and talents was drawing cartoons, and he was quite the cartoonist. A man of great knowledge-whether useful or not-Bob loved researching nearly anything that sparked his interest. He was a generous man who was always willing to help others in need when possible.

A very regimented man, Bob could often be heard shuffling to the kitchen for breakfast, one of his favorite meals, accompanied by his two beloved and protective dogs, Hank and Dolly, one on each side. He never failed to say good morning and good night to his daughter and her family but above all, he was most proud of his family and will be remembered as a loving and devoted dad, grandpa, papaw and OG.

He leaves behind his daughters, Rachael Johnson (Robb) of Whiteland, Indiana, with whom he shared a home for the past six years, and Louisa Freiberger of Big Lake, Alaska; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Gillian Clymer; great-grandchildren, Ella Louise Cooper and Izabella RaeJean Johnston; bonus grandchildren, Brittany Brown, Lauren Kort and Brandon Johnson; bonus great-grandson, Jackson Brown; and extended family members, Steven and Teresa Ely of Martinsville and Bob and Sharon Carrell of Indianapolis.

Bob married Linda Jane (Patnovic) Holck on August 24, 1963, in Newark, Delaware, she sadly preceded him in death on May 17, 1993. He was also preceded in death by his firstborn daughter, Roberta Claire Holck.

In honoring his wishes, his family has chosen to follow through with cremation, and he will be laid to rest with his wife at Newark Cemetery in Newark, Delaware. His family will host a service celebrating his life in August, exact date, to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to one's favorite charity in Bob's memory.

Neal & Summers Funeral & Cremation Center has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with his family at www.nealandsummers.com.