William Wendel Holdener

1935 - 2016

January 23, 1935 - February 21, 2016 It broke our hearts to lose you, But you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of William (Bill) Holdener on February 21, 2016 at the age of 81. Bill was surrounded by his loving family when he lost his battle with congestive heart failure. Bill was born January 23, 1935 in Sacramento to Wendell and Pauline Holdener. Bill has two siblings, Wanda Walser (Wayland, deceased) and Albert (wife Nena). They were a family of modest means living on the home ranch in Elmira (near Vacaville). Bill is a third generation, lifelong resident of Dixon. Bill knew from a young age that he wanted to be a farmer. While in high school and working, he tended to his first crop on leased land. He slept at the end of his field with his foot in the furrow so he would wake to move the irrigation to the next rows when the water hit his foot. Later he convinced his parents to level the home place, investing all of their combined savings transforming the land from sheep pasture to row crops. The gamble paid off for both the parents and Bill. He was a successful farmer and excellent steward of the ground for 63 years in the Dixon area forming and operating Holdener Farms, Inc. He used to say that when you love what you do, it's not work and to stick with what you know. Bill gave back, he was a director for many organizations, California Beet Growers, Maine Prairie Water District, the Dixon Migrant Camp and many more. Bill served in the Army National Guard. Bill is survived by his wife of over 25 years, Jeanine, his children, twins Mary and Mark (wife Rosa) and Melissa, his step children, Jeff and Jerome Molles, ten grandchildren, one great grandchild on the way and several nieces and nephews. Bill took care of business, was real, down to earth with a heart of gold and a dry sense of humor. He loved to play match maker and thoroughly loved spending time on his boat on the Delta. He will be missed. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 6 at the Old Vet's Hall; 231 N. First Street, Dixon from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill's name may be sent to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912; The Salvation Army, 3755 N. Freeway Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95834 or a charity of your choice.