Harold Wendell Holm

Harold was born on May 20, 1923 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ivar Olof Holm and Ida Josephine Holm both from Sweden. He lived and worked on the family farm in Coltman just north of Idaho Falls until he graduated from Ucon High School on May 23, 1940. Harold was married to La Verne Nelson on March 15, 1941 in Dillon, Montana and spent the next several years working as a farm hand for both the Holm and Nelson family farms. Harold and La Verne had four children; Richard, Jacalyn, Thomas, and Douglas; they later divorced.

Harold enlisted in the United States Army on December 26, 1944 and served in the Infantry Division until his discharge in July 1951. He served two tours of duty in the Philippines as a ground aircraft observer and reached the rank of First Lieutenant at the time of his discharge. He graduated from Utah State University on June 9, 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. Harold moved his family back to Idaho Falls and ended up building a thirty-five year career as an operations and planning manager in the nuclear reactor testing business. Harold always found time to return to the farm to help his in-laws Rudolf and Hedvig Nelson.

Harold married one of his life-long friends, Doris Flood, on November 30, 1989. Since their marriage Harold and Doris were inseparable and they enjoyed working together on their home and attending Eastern Star functions. They looked forward to attending the Idaho State Grand Chapter meeting every year with Doris’ daughter, Lisa Brett.

Harold is survived by his wife Doris (Flood) Holm, three sons; Richard (Sunnie) Holm of Idaho Falls, Thomas (Jo Lynn) Holm of Salt Lake City, and Douglas (Yani) Holm of Seattle. He is also survived by stepson Timothy (Sandy) Flood of Foster City, California and stepdaughter Lisa Brett of Idaho Falls. Harold is survived by ten grand children, fourteen great grandchildren, 5 step grand children and 4 step great grandchildren. Harold is preceded in death by his parents, sister Edna Somsen, brothers Tony Holm, Walter Holm and George Holm, daughter Jacalyn Ryder, and grandson Andrew Holm.

Harold was an active member in many civic and fraternal organizations. He was a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, Eagle Rock Lodge #19, for over 64 years. Harold is the only Mason of Eagle Rock Lodge #19 to have served as Worshipful Master more than 2 full terms in the history of the Lodge. He was also active in The Grand Lodge of Idaho where he served as District Deputy Grand Master, Grand Orator and for four years as Grand Lecturer. Harold was a thirty-second degree mason, receiving degrees as a member of the Royal Arch Masons, the Grand Commandery Knight Templar and the Shriners. Harold was active in the Order of the Eastern Star where he served in many offices for both Henrietta Chapter #21 and Liberty Chapter #51 including several terms as the Worthy Patron. He also served as the Worthy Grand Patron of the State of Idaho in 1971-1972 and he is recognized as a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Harold was a devout Christian and life-long member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; he was Baptized and Confirmed into the First Lutheran Church of Idaho Falls.

Harold was an amazing man who had many special talents and hobbies. Most of all, Harold loved to sing and his family and friends will remember him fondly and proudly for his beautiful and calming bass-baritone voice whether it be for church services, weddings, funerals or any special occasion. Harold sang as a soloist for the Idaho Falls Opera Guild on many occasions including several productions of the “Messiah” and “Mikado”.

Harold was an avid outdoorsman, and he loved to spend time working on the family cabin and then take everyone fishing on his boat at Palisades Reservoir. Harold loved to play golf and following his retirement you could find him almost everyday on the links with his buddies. In retirement he also took up the craft of stained glass and in a short time he became an expert in making many beautiful stained glass pieces that his family and friends will cherish forever.

Both the Holm and Flood families would like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Bonaventure of Idaho Falls, Avalon Home Health and Hospice of Eastern Idaho for their dedicated service in helping provide a comfortable environment for Harold during his last days.

Funeral services for Harold will be conducted on Friday, March 9 at 12 noon at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 455 West Sunnyside Road in Idaho Falls, with Pastor Larry Cudmore officiating. Masonic rites will be conducted by Eagle Rock Lodge #19 of the Ancient & Free Accepted Masons and a service will be conducted by the Order of the Eastern Star. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the service at the church and lunch will be served following the service. Interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery at 3 p.m..

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children® www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.