Gary Holeman

Gary Holeman was born in Arcadia, NE to Rueben Allen Holeman and Verna Mae Holeman on May 29, 1937. He passed away August 6, 2018 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, NE.

The family moved to Martin, SD shortly after Gary was born. Gary attended grade school and high school in Martin, then went to the University of South Dakota at Brookings in 1958. He graduated with a degree in both agriculture and engineering. He was drafted into the Army in 1960 and served until 1966. He then joined the Army Reserve attending guard meetings at Rapid City until November of 1968.

He married Karen Thayer on July 17, 1967. Gary first worked as an engineer for the SD Department of Roads in Martin, but then transferred to Lincoln, NE, moving his family to Ashland, NE. They lived in Ashland for 16 years. Gary took a job for a while as a guard at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. However, Gary worked for the State (mostly the Department of Roads) for a total of 47 years. He moved his family back to Merriman in 1978.

Gary had an older brother, Dorian Holeman, who died as an infant. The rest of his siblings are still living; his sisters are Joy Weimer, Aida Weimer, and Kay Nickleson. Gary and Karen's children are Ray (Jordan) Holeman, Bill Holeman, Jim Holeman, and Tammi (Dennis) Payne. Their grandchildren are; Broc Payne, Dillon Holeman, Damien Holeman, and Taylynn Holeman and their great grandchildren are; Phoenix, Parker, Dalton and Riot Payne.

Memorial servicers were held Thursday August 9, 2018 at the Merriman Cemetery in Merriman, NE. Gary's grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers. A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Security First Bank, PO Box 165, Merriman, NE 69218. Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home was in charge of services.

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