Roger L. Holmes

Roger L. Holmes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully departed this world surrounded by his family at his bedside on October 22, 2023. He was 85 years old.

Roger was born on February 4th, 1938, and was a lifelong resident of Vermillion, South Dakota. He was united in matrimony with Patricia Mones on December 10th, 1961. The couple shared a devoted marriage for over six decades, which served as an inspiration to others.

Roger attended Vermillion schools, graduating from Vermillion High School in 1957.  He attended college at the University of South Dakota and in 1961, Roger answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the United States Army. Roger was assigned to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, where he shared his expertise and taught welding as a part of his service.

Professionally, Roger was a highly skilled welder, owning and operating Holmes Welding for nearly 40 years. His creative talent and commitment to his craft left a lasting mark on the community, and his work was admired by many.

Roger’s legacy is not only one of hard work and dedication but also of love, faith, and unwavering support for his family and friends. He adored his family and his son Karl, and daughter Elizabeth, and their families were the light of his life. He adored his four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Roger was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. You could always find Roger with his hunting dog by his side. His love for the outdoors was shared with many of his close friends. Roger made lifelong friendships that were extremely important to him. He also passed his love for hunting and the outdoors down to his immediate and extended family, introducing many to the sport. 

He is survived by his wife, Patricia “PK” of Vermillion, a son, Karl Holmes (Brandy) of Blairstown, IA; a daughter, Elizabeth (Christopher) Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, grandchildren Ashley Holmes (Taylor Rommann) of Walker, IA; Paige (Samuel) Halsor of Ottumwa, IA, Alexandra and Zachary Johnson of Minneapolis, MN; great-grandsons Dawson Karl Jones and Hayden Matthew Halsor; a sister, Shirley Girard of Vermillion, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Mamie Holmes; brothers Darold and Robert Holmes; sisters Marjorie Sorensen, Glennys Harrington, Frances Lefler, a niece, and several nephews.