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Alexander Holbein Obituary
SPARTANBURG, SC-- Alexander "Alex" Holland Holbein, age 17, died suddenly Wednesday afternoon, August 29, 2007.
Born in Spartanburg on August 30, 1989, he was the son of Erwin Josef and Amy Holland Holbein. Alex was a senior at Oakbrook Preparatory School where he served as the Student Body President, co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and member of the yearbook staff. He was an outstanding scholar and one of two students chosen to attend the Duke Youth Academy at the Duke Divinity School. Alex initiated the Schools for Schools program at Oakbrook which raises money for war-affected children in Uganda. Alex was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church where he was active in EYC. He attended Happening #56 and was a staff member for Happening #57.
In addition to his parents, Alex is survived by two sisters, Olivia Clements Holbein and Charlotte Häni Holbein of the home; his maternal grandparents, Billy Marvin and Joan Clements Holland of Cary, NC; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Josef Alois and Berti Häni Holbein of Switzerland.
A Celebration of Life service will be held today, Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Oakbrook Preparatory School with the Reverend Robert L. Brown, Reverend Canon Charles M. Davis, Jr., and Reverend Joseph K. Smith presiding.
Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Renfro, Tony Higgins, Seth Guest, T. J. Dill, Matt Arsenault, David Wynn, Nick Foil, Robbie LeJeune, Andrew Henson, and Harrison Williams.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in remembrance of Alex may be given to Oakbrook Preparatory School, 190 Lincoln School Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301.
The family is at the home, 400 Parkdale Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29302.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.lanforddunbar.com.
Dunbar Funeral Home
& Crematory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Holbein
Debbie and Bill Freeman
September 5, 2007
Dear Erwin, Amy, Olivia and Charlotte-
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts. We hope that your loving memories of Alex will comfort you at this sad and difficult time. Sincerely,
The Freeman Family--Bill, Debbie, Lindsay, Rachel and Scot
Freida Addison-Jones
September 4, 2007
Erwin and Amy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you the comfort and peace that only He can give.
Kayla K
September 3, 2007
Hey, I knew Alex from Happening 56. He was in my group the smurfs and i dont see how our group could have been complete without him. Im gonna miss him alot and your family is in my prayers.
Jordan
September 3, 2007
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Holbein! I am praying that you will be okay. Alex is in a better place. He will pull you through life and make you stronger
Courtney Shelton
September 2, 2007
Dear Holbein Family,
I am very sorry to hear about the death of Alex, although I did not know him Mrs. Ewing (my tacher last year) talked alot about him and loved him greatly. I will be thinking of you all.
Mary Turner
September 1, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. I was deeply saddened.My thoughts and prayers are with you constantly. Mary Turner
Maria Kianda
September 1, 2007
Dear Holbein Family,
Our prays are with you and we want you to know that Alex is with Jesus.We sympathize you.
thelma ellenburg
August 31, 2007
sorry for your lost one u dont know me but my heart goes out to u god just needed another angle hope u will like this poem
thelma ellenburg
August 31, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Marvin Fullbright
August 31, 2007
Our sympathy in the lose of your son. He was a great student to be with. Just remember he is just s
sleeping. Enjoy Driving School
Susan Cooke
August 31, 2007
My deepest sympathy in the loss of of your son. I do not know you or your family, but I know that your hearts are heavy at this time. His accomplishments just goes to show that you raised a fine young man with morals and respect. He was lucky to have your support. May you find peace and comfort in memories. Sincerely, Susan Cooke
Jeni McLane Barrantes
August 31, 2007
Dear Holbeins, Oh how I desperately want to be there to cry with you and hug you. My heart is heavy and I am reminded of the blessing it is to know each of you and to have known Alex. May you find comfort in celebrating Alex's life each day. My prayers are for you ~ much love, "the Jenster"
Drayton Weston
August 31, 2007
Dear Holbein Family,
I was so distressed when I heard about this tragedy. I attended the Duke Youth Academy with Alex and I also worked with him through Happening. Alex was, is and always will be a role model to me, because of his strong faith and willingness to help others. I can not imagine how difficult this is for you. Olivia, I love you and please know that I am always here for you and that I love you. Mr. and Mrs. Holbein and Charlotte and Olivia, know that there are many people praying for your family and that you are in our thoughts. love you all.
God Bless and Much Peace,
Drayton Weston
patsy gordon
August 31, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Karen Meadows-Rogers
August 31, 2007
I didn't know this young man, but I cannot imagine losing a child. May God be with you all during this time. Karen Meadows-Rogers, Daniel Morgan Technology Center
Harold and Julie Owens
August 31, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mary Ann Sailors
August 31, 2007
I cannot phamton the loss of a child,so very sorry for the loss of such a fine young man. God will see you through .
Martha Case
August 31, 2007
Dear Holbein Family,
We love you and are hurting deeply over this tragedy. Alex, along with Olivia and Charlotte are beautiful blessings from God to us and we are grateful for them and all they are.We pray constantly for you knowing that you love God and are His called. It is a joy to know that Alex absolutley understood the Faith of the Lord Jesus and we have constantly reminded ourselves that he went straight into the Glory of God's Kingdom on Wednesday afternoon. Oh how we hurt for you and for ourselves in losing him here on earth. Thank you for raising such Godly and amazing children.
Again I say that we love you and want to be support for you in any and every way.
Olivia, I love you very much. Charlotte, Ben is so concerned for you and he really cares for your well being.You are so precious to us all.
Amy and Erwin, we cannot imagine the agony you feel but we put our trust in The Lord for you and your care.
In the Love of Jesus Christ,
Martha and Stan and Ben
kathy detwiler
August 31, 2007
dear holbein family
we were so sorry to hear about alex
we have such fond memories of him and the girls - alex always was such a happy and fun loving kid - you are all in our thoughts and prayers - we love you
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