I loved so many things about Uncle Bob. My memories of going "home" to Great Grandma and Grandpas house with Uncle Bob and Mary and my Grandma Agnes. We would all play cards and marbles on the marble table next to G Grandpas chair. 

I was so blessed to know him as an adult, to live so close and be able to spend time with him still. I loved the letters, the pictures and our meetings up at the Estate Sales on Sat. mornings.

But most of all I was proud of him- I was so proud of how he served his country and how he built our family. He was our leader, our historian and truly that patriarch or our family. There are so many people in this family and yet I believe that all of us felt like we were taken care of in some way by Bob.

My work is serving seniors, changing what aging looks like and making spaces that support an active lifestyle. My Grandmother, Uncle Bob and Great Grandma and Grandpa are my inspiration. I have had a picture of Bob in my office for years now. It helps me remember why I do this, because sometimes it is not an easy job to do. But I know how hard they all worked to build this country and to take care of our family. We are all blessed to be a part of the Holden family, we are all blessed to have had our Uncle Bob. 

God's blessings to all of the family and to Carol. We will be praying for you all during this difficult time.

This is a song I wrote for my dad when he passed away in 1987. Mr. H. was like my second dad.

 Father you've been my friend, time and time again. You've taught me of love and life and the beauty it holds. We've had our ups and downs, we've shared the good and bad, and losing a friend will surely make me sad.

 God is calling on you, he'll call on me one day, then we will be together again for always.

 Father you've been my friend, time and time again. You've taught me of love and life and the beauty it holds. So when we say good-bye, I'll try not to cry cause there will be good times again for you and I.

 God is calling on you, he'll call on me one day, then we will be together again for always.

Father you've been my friend, time and time again. You've taught me of love and life and the beauty it holds. Father you've been my friend and as time draws to and end, I want to say
"I love you" once again.

Memories of Uncle Bob:

He was definitely the tallest and one of our favorite uncles...even if he did always greet his nieces and nephews by shaking your hand, pulling you in and stepping on your toes. 

Occasionally from time to time... who are we kidding? Uncle Bob always loved to tell a good story and had such a hearty laugh you couldn't help but join in. 

Fond memories of the winter ice fishing trips to Mille Lacs along with our dad and us little Hadac kids.
I can still remember it like it was yesterday: 
One time while we were fishing out in the open -  our lines went down about the same time. Big Uncle Bob pulled on his line, then really excited because I had a big bite, I pulled on mine.
As I pulled up hard on my line his line really went down, then he would pull up hard on his line and mine would really go down. This went on a few times as we both thought we each had a trophy northern that was trying to run on us. After a few times we figured out we had caught the same fish and I was told to let my pole fall into the hole (something you always told not to do). Then Uncle Bob pulled out our fish...just a small perch that had been attached to both our lines.   

For as long as we can remember, Uncle Bob was the unofficial family photographer. He loved sharing his pictures of family and travel with everyone. He always made copies and was generous sharing them with us.

Uncle Bob had such a great spirit and his personality was larger than life. What a wonderful uncle we were so blessed to have known.   

Love, Rose, Jerry & the Hadac kids

Bob was a remarkable man, so very articulate and so generous in sharing his lifetime of memories and knowledge. This impressive man was the embodiment of the greatest generation.
We are honored to have known Bob and feel truly enriched by our conversations and correspondence with him. Our sympathies and condolences to Bob's wonderful family and to his many dear friends.
Mary and Steve Berman, Wisconsin

Bob was the most awesome neighbor! Such a kind and helpful man. When I moved in 16 years ago, he came over with pictures from when our home had been built and history of the area. He used to trim my huge white oak, has fixed my garage door opener and taught me how to use a snow blower.  I miss you Bob, Rest in Peace - I will never forget you.  Coral Shanahan

My sincere sympathy in your loss.  I know how hard it is to lose such a special part of your family.  Carry on the traditions and keep the memories close in your heart.  The peace of Christ comfort you all. Butch is such a great guy so I really look forward to meeting Bob in Heaven.

Bob was my dear friend. He made life interesting and exciting. He was the most knowledgeable and organized person and kept everything in perfect order. He put me on a pedestal I didn't deserve. I will miss him always. He has a loving place in my heart.

Carol Rohloff

He will always be Uncle Bob to me.... and one of my favorite memories of a great adult while I was growing up.  he just had to look at you and smile and you had no choice but to smile back and be happy for the rest of the week because of it.  I have many happy memories of the house in Golden Valley and Northeast Msp before that.  My prayers and thoughts are with all of you but you must know that he is in Heaven ... because it is the only choice for someone as wonderful as Bob

Susan (Gutwinski) Moreau

I met Bob at his son Bill's retirement party, and I was amazed by this man. He was determined to figure out how to use his digital camera, and then we had a great conversation about everything. May he rest in peace.

The Washburn High School Science Department sends its condolences.  From the stories I heard, sounds like he lived a full life and had a loving family.

Bob was a great neighbor and friend- he always had the best stories of nieghborhood history and always had some good advice for home improvements! He also made our night-out parties special with his music and presence-we'll miss him!
Our condolensces,
Dean & Bill

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.  It was a pleasure caring for Bob and teaching you all how to care for his drain while he was open to home care.  May he now fly high with the birds he loved to watch during my visits!  Melissa

Many very fond memories of your family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mr. Holden was like another father to me. His son Bob has been a close friend of mine for over 50 years. Mr. H. was a smart caring man that I had the upmost respect for. His whole extended family is a reflection of the great man he was. I say he has a seat in heaven very close to the big guy.
RIP Mr. H. you'll be missed by many.         Ron and Sue Elsen

Big Bog was the most knowledge man I have ever known - there wasn't a subject in the world that he couldn't tell you a story about, and did he have stories! Big Bob was truly a hero and I will also remember him wearing his "Pearl Harbor Survivor" hat.  Bob, you have an entirely new audience in Heaven - keep the stories going.  Much love goes with you, Cindy

OBITUARY

Robert Holden

29 March, 1919 – 11 January, 2014

Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home

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