Vance Harold Holbrook
July 30, 1918 - April 11, 2014
Obituary
Vance Harold Holbrook, 95, passed away April 11, 2014 in Billings, Montana. He was born July 30, 1918 in Milbank, South Dakota to Weslay R. and Emma Holbrook, the third of four sons. Vance served in the US Army from 1941 to 1945 in the Third Infantry. Though never wounded, Vance saw some of the most severe combat in all of WWII. He made five different beach landings, marched across northern Africa, sailed to Sicily, on to Italy where he fought at Anzio, marched across Europe ending up in Berchtesgaden, Germany. Upon his return he followed in his father's footsteps, going to work for Standard Oil. He eventually went to work for Mutual of New York and finally with Colonial Life Insurance. He continued working well into his 80's. Vance was an Eagle Scout, and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid fisherman and in his younger days he loved to hunt pheasants while using his boys as his “bird dogs”. He never missed a chance in the spring to stop along the country roads to pick wild asparagus. Vance spent several years as “Santa Claus” at Rimrock Mall. He was their first Santa and brought joy to hundreds of children. Vance was a true gentleman, a hero to his children and grandchildren. He truly was a member of the “Greatest Generation”. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Margaret; his daughters Mary Catherine and Mary Louise; his daughter-in-law Mary Kay; grandson Michael Anthony Holbrook and two brothers. His is survived by his brother Gale Holbrook and family in Rapid City, SD; his children John, Dan (Bonnie), Kathy Petersen and Bob. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild on the way. Memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com Service: A vigil will be held Monday evening April 14, 7:00 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel. For those interested, the Rosary will precede the vigil at 6:30 p.m. The Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church.
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Memories
RK
Raymond and Gertrude Koch
Other •
With our deepest sympathy to Vance's family. We enjoyed many a visit with Vance in the short time since our arrival at Bonaventure--Morning Star. He shared his love of our hometown meat market where their specialty was country sausage in Richardton, ND. But most of all we appreciated his words of comfort and prayers of concern for Raymond in December and January when he had to go to Mayo Clinic to have an aortic valve replaced. We agree Vance was a very fine exampele of the "Greatest Generation."
DL
Darlene Laferriere
Other •
To the family of Vance Holbrook. I am truly sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. I enjoyed visiting with him at "Bonaventure" when my parents Johnny and Hilda Krieger were there. He was always such a good story teller and a very cute "Santa". God Bless you all. Darlene and family
CF
Connie Frerich-Schulz
Other •
Many prayers to Vance's family. I know my parents, Dick and Gwen, will miss him. Vance was the "Cribbage King" at Bonaventure/Morning Star and my Dad enjoyed playing cards with him. I attended a few gatherings where Vance led the Rosary - he was a faithful man. When reading about his service, I couldn't help but think how happy I am that he was able to experience an Honor Flight last year.
DD
Dave Drynan
Other •
I'm very sorry for your loss. Vance truly was one of the world's greatest gentlemen and a friend to me for many years; he was one of the few people I've met in my lifetime that I very much admired. Again my condolenes and prayers!