Blair Holden

Blair G. Holden, 79, following an active full life, passed away after a brief illness in Punta Gorda, Florida on February 26, 2012, surrounded by wife and daughters. Blair was born in La Valle, Wisconsin to John Ellis Holden and Ruth (Garfoot) Holden on March 3, 1932, the youngest of four. Raised in Wisconsin, Blair graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1950. The Holden family spent many happy holidays with their Holden and Stauffacher cousins milking cows, riding ponies and playing cards. Blair was a 1955 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he participated in the Army ROTC, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. His sports loyalties were split between the Badgers and his adopted Michigan State Spartans. Blair and his wife, Olga, friends and family spent some of their best times tailgating and cheering on the Green and White. There was no compromise on his Green Bay Packers, however, Blair was a life long cheesehead. With his continuing support, another Super Bowl is certainly in their future. Blair spent 37 happy years with Sears, the last 16 as the general manager of the Frandor store in Lansing, Michigan. His career at Sears gave the family the opportunity to live in several states, including South Dakota - the agreed favorite. He spent 20 happier years enjoying retirement to the fullest. He loved sailing at Gull Lake in Richland , Michigan, where he and Olga spent their retirement years. The house on the lake will always be filled with the joy and laughter of friends and family. Though your perch at Gull Lake will remain empty, you have upgraded to the best seat in the house. No binoculars necessary. He is survived by his beloved wife, Olga (Bobrofsky) Holden and their three daughters, Karen Holden (Dan Neely), Kris Tuchek (Lara Slee), and Beth Graves (Donald). His beloved grandchildren, Emily, Haley and Todd Tuchek, and Mackenzie and Donny Graves; as well as three siblings, John Holden, Hazel Stauffacher and Donald Holden. We will commemorate Blair's life on Thursday, March 1 with a sundown celebration at the Palacio del Sol, 1500 Park Beach Circle, Punta Gorda, FL from 5-9 with prayers, remembrances and toasts. We welcome all our friends. Blair was a proud Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: http://www.rotary.org/en/Contribute/WaysToGive/memorial_tribute_gifts/Pages/ridefault.aspx Please visit kays-ponger.com to leave the family condolences and to sign the on-line guestbook. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.