Bob CollinsThey had a funeral for Bill Holm out in Minneota on Sunday.
Some touching memories of Holm were printed by the Marshall Independent over the weekend (Others who knew him posted some very touching comments to the News Cut post). One struck a chord for ye olde blogger:
My experiences in knowing Bill Holm while trying to assist him in his health care were likely more valuable to me than to Bill. Although a man of his own direction, he cared dearly for his family, friends, fellow poets, writers, and musicians. I found him to be a great wordsmith in describing his rural roots, thoughts, and experiences, especially those impressions concerning the ethos of Minneota and the prairies…and Iceland. His most recent comment to me was an insightful one: “The only good thing about a recession is that people might read more…”
MPR’s Mark Steil is putting his Monday morning story together as I write this. Mark’s got a great eye for stories and this image he sent along of the chair Holm sat in during church service is a great one. Note the copy of the Star Tribune on it, with Holm’s picture on the front of the Opinon page.
I’m looking forward to Mark’s story and the tributes contained therein (When it’s done, it’ll be at the top of this page).
I imagine they’ll be like those of his cousin, Vivian Secrist, who shared this on billholm.com.
I had the privilege of being part of Bill’s family since I was born. Bill was my cousin on both my mother’s and father’s side of the family. We attended Sunday school together at St. Paul’s Icelandic Church when I was very young but, then a move by my family separated us for many years. I still would see him on occasion with visits to Minneota and after we both reached adulthood, our lives kept us apart for many years but, in the last twenty some years we were able to connect on many occasions for family celebrations and, of course, Boxelder Days in Minneota. Even tho I didn’t get to visit as often as I would have liked, when we met again, it was like we had never been apart. He encouraged my youngest daughter to continue writing her poetry and I know that meant a great deal to her. Even tho she hasn’t written anything for several years, I know it left a lasting impression on her and she thought very highly of him. I will so miss his wonderful hugs as we greeted each other on those special reunions and his great presence in our family. I have several of his books signed by him personally and I will treasure them and the stories for years to come. Good bye my precious cousin. You leave a huge void in all our lives. My heart goes out to Marci and all who feel the loss. May God Bless each and everyone of you. Say hello to Mom, Neva, Julian, Robert and all who have gone before you.
MPR is planning an event to honor Holm on April 7 at the Fitz.
