William Edward Holden Sr. affectionately known as Dad, Papa, and friend passed away on February 15th, 2024, after 85 years of life with many blessings and many challenges. The last nine years, Bill (as he is called by his friends) has endured a lot. He suffered a paralyzing stroke in 2015 and then a second stroke in 2017. Those strokes left him hemiplegic, and it was a major struggle for him to get around. In 2019, he broke his “good” leg. This did not deter him! He fought until the very end.
Bill was born in Fresno, California on January 24, 1939, to Robert and Laura Holden and was the fourth of six children. He lived in Riverdale, California from 1948 to 1956 before his family moved back to Fresno. He graduated from Central High School in 1957. He met his future wife, Minerva, while attending Central High School and they have been inseparable ever since. They were married March 14, 1957, and were one month away from celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary.
Bill enlisted in the United States Navy in 1957, and served our country for four years receiving numerous awards. He used his knowledge to become a successful businessman. He worked for Sears for 21 years and then started his own appliance repair business. This gave him the opportunity to show the world who he really was; a kind, honest, dependable man who meant what he said, and he never cheated anyone in business.
In 1973, he made a decision that changed his life and the lives of his wife and children forever. Bill and his family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was active in the church and served in many capacities. He served as a Bishop from 1982-1987 and loved every minute of that. He was also a highly effective Boy Scout leader. He had over 30 scouts make the rank of Eagle. Bill received scouting’s highest honor in 2017, the Silver Beaver Award. He was his best when helping others.
Bill and Minerva left Fresno in 1998 and moved to Cayucos to be by the beach in the house that he built. They loved living there and made many dear friends and lasting memories. From 2000-2002, they served a Family History mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lagos, Nigeria. They loved serving the people of Nigeria! After Bill broke his leg, he and Minerva moved to Prineville, Oregon to live with their daughter. They lived there for two years and then moved to Orem, Utah and most recently to Payson, Utah where they lived in an assisted living community.
Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Minerva, five children, June (Greg) Gissel, Bill Jr. (Sharon) Randy (Siboney), Mark (Natalie), and Gary (Kari), 24 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by two sisters, Bobbi (Harold) Blackwell and Thelma Holden Johnson-Leslie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Frank and Richard, and his sister Margie.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Three Rivers Cemetery located at 41093 Blossom Drive in Three Rivers, California. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3375 West Sierra Avenue, Fresno, California.
1 Condolence for William Edward Holden Sr.
Condolence(1)
Rob and Jill Banfield says
February 27, 2024 at 12:05 amThank you for the wonderful video of Bill’s life. It was beautiful. We loved and appreciated Bill so much. He did many repair projects at our (mom’s or mother in laws) Harriette Banfield’s home. He was her ministering brother. She was so grateful for him. Bill also helped us with some projects. We always appreciated his willingness to use his skills and abilities to help us and many others. We must add that Minerva made quilts for every kid in our family. They both were always so kind. We have missed Bill and Minerva’s presence in our ward since they left. We pray for peaceful and loving future for Minerva. With love, Rob and Jill Banfield