Superior, WI
William “Bill” Holmes, 68, of Superior, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 06, 2023 in his home in Gladstone, Michigan.
Bill was born on June 03,1955 to the late Rosemarie (Golubski) and Ralph Holmes of Superior, Wisconsin. Bill graduated Escanaba High School in 1973 and pursued a degree in Pharmacology. He married Marilyn Ogren of Bark River, MI while attending Ferris State University. Together they had one daughter, Sarah Lynn (Holmes) Mogen.
After graduating from Ferris State University in 1978, he began his practice in Escanaba, MI, where he met and married Carol (Billings) Julian of Escanaba, MI. Together they share children: Jason (Shawna) Holmes of Washburn, WI, Kimberly (Holmes) Hollen of Ashland, WI, Justin (Emily) Holmes of Nixa, MO, and Kristin Holmes of Merrill, WI.
Bill was known for his love of the outdoors. Throughout his life he shared his excitement for hunting, fishing, boating and gardening with his family and friends. He had a special place in his heart for The Great Lakes, especially Lake Superior.
Later in his life, he could often be found
watching the ships coming and going from Barker’s Island. He was generous with his time, volunteering at soup kitchens and sharing his garden-canned bounty with many. Bill was a well-respected pharmacist and a wealth of knowledge. He never passed up an opportunity to go above and beyond for co-workers or patients in need. He worked at OSF Hospital in Escanaba, MI for several years. In 1990, he moved to begin work as a pharmacist at Dickinson County Hospital in Iron Mountain, MI. He would go on to work in that community for 25 years before retiring in the Iron Mountain/Kingsford area.
Upon his retirement, he returned to Superior, WI to be near the beloved family cabin, many close friends and his favorite lakes; Ruth Lake and Lake Superior.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Sarah and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his siblings: David of Iron Mountain, MI, Steven of Escanaba, MI, Suzanne (Chuck) Douglass of Navarre, FL and Michael of Melbourne Beach, FL. Bill had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren: Lily Mogen, Eden, Isaiah, Annika and Henry Holmes. In
addition to his siblings, children and grandchildren, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and precious loved ones.
A service to honor Bill’s life will be held at Maranatha Assembly of God, 920 S. Carpenter Ave. Kingsford, MI on December 9, 2023 at 10 a.m. A private reception for family with directions to follow.
Melissa Burie - Kingsford, MI
Jason, Kim, Justin, & Kristin,
I’m sorry to hear this news. Just a note to let you know that I’m thinking of all of you.
Please take care.
Sincerely, Melissa Burie
Coral Messar - West Bend, WI
Jason, Kimberly, Justin and Kristin: we were so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We remember fondly sitting around your kitchen table telling and listening to Bill and Mike’s stories! You kids always had a special place in our hearts—May you find comfort in each other, the love of friends and of course in the Lord. Coral and Mike
Faith Sexton - Iron Mountain, MI
Kim,Jason,Jus, and Kristin…..I’m so sorry to hear this! Your dad always had a way to make people laugh. Many fond memories of him back in youth group days. My heart goes out to you all! Love you guys
Mary Shepich - Iron river, MI
Bill was one of the most knowledgeable pharmacists I ever worked with and an all-around great guy. So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless. ( I had the privilege to work with him at Dickinson for many years)
Patti & Terry Lidbeck - Kingsford, MI
To the Holmes family: We are so sorry for your loss! We are thinking of all of you and praying for you!
Samantha Neuens - Kingsford, MI
Jason, Kim, Justin, and Kristin,
I am so very sorry to hear you lost your dad.
You are all in my thoughts. Your grieving hearts are in my prayeres.
Samantha Neuens
Neal - Chicago, IL
Jason, Kim, Justin, & Kristin: Old neighbor Neal here. Your dad immediately made think about his massive garden where he’d tend like a master farmer. The countless hours he allowed us with that ice shanty where Justin and myself would sneak in a Swisher Sweet — free and clear of any repercussions now. Or, his wood stack always full for the sauna. He certainly had a wholesome energy and smile. Only thinking of good memories of your dad Bill. Same thoughts about all of you. Sending good energy & peace your way.
Brenda - Auburndale, FL
I worked as a nurse at Dickinson when Bill was a pharmacist there. He was always so kind, professional and smart. He always had a smile and treated patients and staff with respect. It’s been many years since those days but I will always remember how nice he was to me.
Treasure your memories and hold him in your hearts. So very sorry for your loss.
Tammy Conley - Hermansville , MI
So sorry to the family for your loss.
I had the pleasure to work with Bill at Dickinson Hospital. He was one of the smartest pharmacists I ever knew. He was always such a nice guy & always had a smile.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Abby Evans - Kingsford, MI
Jason, Kim, Justin, & Kristin,
Many prayers for you all during this time! Your dad will always be loved. Many fond memories of our time together in youth group.
I cherish those memories. Know that my heart aches for you. Time is a thief. So thankful for the promise of eternity in Heaven!
God be with you as you navigate each day!
Much love, Abby Evans