Edward M. Holmes, Milton  (1913 - 2012)

September 15, 1913 - February 1, 2012
Edward M. Holmes, 98, a lifelong resident of Milton, WI, died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. Ed was born on Sept. 15, 1913, to James Pitt and Ruth (Roethel) Holmes. He graduated from Milton Union High School in 1931. He married Lorraine Heinz on Feb. 20, 1937. She preceded him in death in October of 2004. Ed worked at General Motors for 37 years, retiring in 1972. He was one of the few surviving "Sit-Downers." He and Lorraine did a lot of traveling to many countries and loved to go camping. They also loved to dance and square-danced with the Milton Village Squares. Ed was a lifelong member of the Milton Congregational Church, serving as a Trustee and Deacon. He also served as treasurer for many years and was an original member of the Scroobians. Ed was a longtime member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, serving as treasurer and two terms as Noble Grand. Ed and Lorraine also volunteered at The Gathering Place. Ed loved sports, playing tennis, golfing and bowling for many years. He also spent many hours watching sports on TV, faithfully following the Packers, Badgers and Brewers, and also loved playing cards, especially cribbage.
Ed is survived by his three children: Helen Mabry of Largo. FL, Edward (Marge) Holmes of Naperville, IL, and Diane (Don) Richards of Great Falls, MT. He has five grandchildren: Harnath, Heather, Jeff, Lee, and Becky; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one cousin, Janice Zastrow of Fort Atkinson; and a very special niece, Jan Foreman of Milton. His niece, Bonnie Klitzkie; and nephew, Steve Brace; also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen Brace Morris; brother, James Pitt Holmes Jr.; son-in-law, Harold Mabry; and niece, Pat Brace.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 741 E. High St., Milton, WI 53563, with Rev. Herb Saunders officiating. Burial will follow at Milton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the service at the church on Wednesday. WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, MILTON is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials in Ed's name would be appreciated to Agrace Hospice or the Milton Community Action Center.
The family wishes to thank Milton Senior Living for their many years of wonderful care of both Ed and Lorraine. They were the first residents to live there and Ed had lived there for 10 years. We also thank Agrace Hospice for their help. He lived a long and active life and was so special to so many.
Whitcomb-Lynch-Albrecht Funeral Home
and Cremation Services, Milton
828 S. Janesville St., Milton, 608-868-2542
www.whitcomb-lynch-albrecht.com