Leif Holm

Leif Holm, of Waukesha, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his residence on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the age of 89.  He was born in Skien, Norway on August 18, 1918 the son of Henry and Nilia Holm.  Leif came to United States at the age of  7 and began his life on the south side of Milwaukee before moving to Waukesha.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Carroll College where he was their star quarterback and where he became inducted into the Carroll College Hall of Fame. He continued his education obtaining a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Leif served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1941 until 1944, completing 30 missions as a B-17 pilot.  On January 4, 1943, he married the former Virginia “Ginger” Schwartz on the Santa Ana Air Force base in California.  While in the military he earned his Distinguished Flying Cross.  Coaching was a large part of Leif’s life and he enjoyed coaching and teaching at Stoughton High School. He was a member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church and was an accomplished golfer.  His life has made an everlasting impact as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and war hero.  He paved the way for so many generations and his legacy will continue.  Leif will be dearly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Ginger of Waukesha, his 10 children:  Tina Holm of Waukesha, Eric Holm of Waukesha, Greg Holm of Milwaukee, Kaia (Dave) Poulson of Waukesha, Kris (Debbie) Holm of Waukesha, Kurt (Wendy) Holm of Estero, FL, Thor (Cynthia) Holm of Palm Coast, FL, Maia Hanson of Waukesha, Mari Holm of Waukesha and Kali (Chas) McDonell of Brookfield, his 20 grandchildren: Nels Pederson, Erica Holm, Ginger, Meg, and Elizabeth Poulson, Jessica, Leif, Allison, Andrew Holm, Kaitlin and Logan Holm, Dylan Doyle, Antonio and Kari Holm, Thor, Madeline, Nadine, and Nola Hanson, and Nilia McDonell.  He is further survived by other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents, Leif is preceded in death by his son Nels, granddaughter Kari Pederson, and sister Erna LaBril. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha, WI with the funeral service at 7:00PM at the funeral home.  Reverend Doug Sparks will preside.  Private family graveside services with full military honors will be held at Highland Memorial Park.  If desired, memorials are appreciated to St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 111 E. Main Street, Waukesha, WI 53186 or to Rolland Nelson Crossroads Hospice, 1020 James Drive Hartland, Wisconsin 53029.  For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at (262) 547-4035, or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave an on-line tribute.