Dennis Holmstrom

Dennis Holmstrom, age 68, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Friday, August 15, 2014 at his home in Storm Lake. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place Monday, August 18, 2014 from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Oncology/Infusion Center and the Melanoma Research Foundation. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Dennis W. Holmstrom was born March 24, 1946 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Harold and Grace (Butterworth) Holmstrom. His family moved to Pomeroy, Dayton, and then Newell, Iowa where he attended Newell-Providence High School. Dennis married Judi Paulsen. The couple was blessed with one daughter, Staci. Later in life, Dennis met and married his best friend, Shirley Fransen Eike. Dennis proudly served in the United States Navy as a Seabee. He was stationed in Vietnam, New Zealand, and Antarctica. Dennis was honorably discharged in 1969. Dennis started his own business, Holmstrom Plumbing and Heating. He worked as a contractor building homes around the area. He later had a rental business with his wife Shirley; buying and restoring homes in and around the Storm Lake area. In 1987, Dennis went to work for Buena Vista University Maintenance Department as a plumber. He retired in 2012 due to his health. He fought diligently, donating himself for research in the hopes of finding a cure for melanoma. Dennis was an avid fisherman and really enjoyed a day on the lake, he was especially fond of ice fishing. He liked to ride Harley’s and snow ski in his younger days, collect antiques/junking with his wife Shirley, working on various household furniture projects, collecting John Deere tractors, and restoring his 1956 Century Boat. He loved watching the birds in his backyard, spending time with his loved ones, and helping his friends. He and his wife Shirley enjoyed traveling and the journeys to and from many family reunions. Together the couple created a lifetime of memories. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him as we bid him farewell on his next journey! Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Staci Holmstrom of Covington, Louisiana; Jay (Pam) Eike of Broomfield, Colorado; Scott (Jaclyn) Eike of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Aaron Eike, Lauren (Emilio) Romero, Amanda (Derek) Eike Koehler; great-grandchildren: Diego and Demia Romero; brothers: Earl (Sheryl) Holmstrom of Westland, Michigan; Clayton Holmstrom of Cresco, Iowa; sisters: Franny Bothell of Westland, Michigan; Beverly Arnold of Windermere, Florida; Janet Decker of Gowrie, Iowa; Sandy (Charlie) Crowder of Ocala, Florida; Noni Holmstrom of St. Louis, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Denny was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Shirley in 2010.

Dennis Holmstrom

March 24, 1946 - August 15, 2014