Laurence Lee Holdeman

Laurence Lee Holdeman (92) passed away at his home near Bonners Ferry, Idaho on May 14, 2009. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10:00am in the Woodland Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho with interment following in the Mountain View Mennonite Cemetery. Laurence Lee Holdeman was born October 7, 1916, in Harrison, Michigan, to Monroe and Emma (Kuepfer) Holdeman. He died at home on May 14, 2009, at the age of 92 years. Dad’s growing up years were spent on the family farm in Harrison. There he learned to farm with horses. He told many exciting stories about driving a team. Here he learned that with trial and error and determination he could do almost anything he wanted to do. As a young man he traveled with a harvest crew in Kansas and North Dakota. We recall many stories he told of his travels. He had a keen sense of adventure and it was enhanced by his travels. His love of the road less traveled carried on throughout his life. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite April 24, 1935, in Harrison, by Minister Hiram Mininger, at the age of 18. He loved attending church services and many times shared his heart with the congregation. He spent hours searching the scriptures and wrote articles on biblical subjects as he was inspired. He felt his own weakness and leaned heavily on God’s grace. He was joined in marriage to Beth Williams on March 16, 1947. They enjoyed 62 good years together. He cherished his wife, setting a good example for his sons and grandsons. Having a family of ten children was a real challenge and memories of our growing up years still give us enjoyment. Dad and Mom’s first years were spent in Harrison where he worked in various occupations. They moved to Ithaca, Michigan, where he dairied and farmed. They then moved to Ft. Vermilion, Alberta, where they lived for a year and a half. They moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1971, and felt they were at home. He loved the mountains and enjoyed the opportunity to have cattle and a place to put down roots. He set up a cider press and enjoyed getting to know the many people from the community. He and Mom planted a large orchard and as always, he had his bees. In his later years he spent hours weeding and hoeing in the garden and caring for his strawberry patch. Dad didn’t ask much from life, but felt he needed to give to others. His lack of concern for his own physical comfort and his joy in the simple things is an example we as his children and grandchildren can learn from. He is greatly loved and will be missed by all of us. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Beth; six daughters and four sons: Joy and husband John Friesen of Ft. Vermilion, Alberta; Grace and husband Bill Dirks of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Faith and husband Leonard Isaac of Kleefeld, Manitoba; John and wife Elizabeth, Daniel and wife Gloria, David and wife LeAnn, all of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Rebecca and husband John Condon of Portland, Oregon; Nathan and wife Lana of Barron, Wisconsin; Rachel and Priscilla of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; thirty grandchildren and forty-five great-grandchildren; brothers Neil and wife Rosalie of Starbuck, Minnesota; Ben and wife Lois of Lime Springs, Iowa; sister-in-law Hazel from Buhl, Idaho; brothers-in-law Dale and wife Henrietta Williams of Ashley, Michigan; Robert Williams of Dumas, Arkansas; Hobart and wife Louise Williams of Sheridan, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters, and one brother. Family and friends are invited to sign Laurence's’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.