Eugene I. Holeman

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will follow in the Lee Park Cemetery near Arcadia, NE with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Ansley Fire & Rescue or 4-H Activities. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23rd from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with a Rosary at 5:00 PM at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Eugene Ivan Holeman, 88, of Westerville, NE passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, NE. 

Eugene was born on May 5, 1936, at home on the farm near Arcadia, NE, to Gertrude and Donnell Holeman. The oldest of six siblings, he attended Ohme, Balsora, and Eastside country schools before graduating from Arcadia High School in 1954. On April 15, 1956, in Laguna Beach, CA, he married his high school sweetheart, Louise Sonnenfeld, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and devotion. Together they had seven children. 

Following high school, Eugene proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, after training at Camp Pendleton, CA. A strong marksman, he often shared stories of his skill, claiming he could put three rounds inside a quarter at 400 yards with his M1 rifle – a tale he told with a twinkle in his eye. 

Eugene lived his adult life in and near the community of Westerville. He was a hardworking farmer and rancher, deeply committed to his cattle, dogs, land and community. He was an active member of the Custer County Fair Board, a dedicated leader of the Liberty 4-H Club, and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith was central to his life, and he was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In his free time, Eugene found joy in simple pleasures—fishing, playing 10-point pitch, and sharing an occasional glass of his favorite Mogan David wine with friends and family. He was a natural storyteller, captivating those around him with tales of the past, always accompanied by his sweet smile and heartwarming laugh.

Eugene will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his community, and the warmth and humor he brought to those around him.

Eugene is survived by his wife Louise; his children: Frances Peterson of Lexington, Liz (Trenton) Burns of Hazard, Michael Holeman of Omaha, Deb (Jeff) Moody of Burwell, Pat (Laurie) Holeman of Westerville, Ivan (Eduardo) Holeman of Portland, OR, Marti (Russell) Raad of Hazen, ND; his grandchildren David (Jessica) Peterson, Jenn (Brandon) Marquez, Michelle Hartman, Judson (Kalee) Burns, Donnie Griess, Rachel Griess, Jessica (Brandon) Pedersen, Josh (Kersha) Moody, Tonya (Brandon) Gehle, Kyle (Amanda) Moody, Gabriele (Vonsinh) Sayaloune, Jeffrey Moody, Melissa (Matt) McTygue, Teresa (Jud) Mickle, Kayla Cranston, Megan (Hunter) Weiss, Taylor Holeman, Harley Vocke, Brinley Vocke, Skyler Raad and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers Rueben Holeman and Donny Holeman both of Arcadia; brother and sisters-in-law Lois Holeman of Broken Bow, Robert John of Nelson, and Peggy Holeman of Arcadia.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents Don and Gertrude Holeman, and siblings, Harold Holeman, Sharon John, and Dick Holeman.