Lillian Rosalyn Holkup, age 92, passed away peacefully in Bozeman, MT on December 5, 2012 with her children by her side.
Lillian was born to Isabelle and Peter Kupper on June 21, 1920 in Mandan, ND. The youngest in the family, she joined brothers, Johnny and Andy. Mom shared many memories of her growing up years. She was a latch-key kid, coming home each afternoon to peel the potatoes and start the evening meal. She attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Mandan High School. Mom had a beautiful voice and loved participating in school plays and musicals.
After high school Mom attended Bismarck Business College but found the hoped for job before graduating. She worked at Benson Optical Company in a variety of positions. It was here she met John Holkup. They were married in Mandan on April 24, 1944, during WWII. Their first child was born in Bismarck, ND. Three more children were born in Miles City after Dad’s 1947 transfer to Miles City, MT to open and manage a branch of the Benson Optical Company.
Mom was a homemaker and active participant in her children’s lives and their schools. She was an excellent cook and seamstress. In 1962 Mom and Dad bought the local Dairy Queen and Mom operated it for two years.
A shaker and mover, Mom asked questions and took action to make a positive difference in people’s lives and the community. With Terri Stevenson, Donna Strom, and Sister Ruth, she helped found and facilitate the Getting through Grief support groups that met weekly for 18 years. She was active in Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, and religious education for high school students. After Dad’s retirement, both were involved in many community affairs including RSVP; Sacred Heart School and Parish; and the Custer Resource Alliance, which successfully prevented the cleaning of rail cars from polluting the neighborhood.
Mom and Dad also enjoyed traveling in their retirement. Friendship Force, a person-to-person program, took them to several European countries. They also visited some of the Scandinavian countries, took Caribbean and Alaska cruises, visited New England in the fall, and enjoyed the entertainment in Branson, MO.
In the late 1970s, three grandchildren were welcomed into their lives with fun and pride. A generation later Mom and Dad were blessed with two great-grandchildren.
Lillian and John remained in Miles City until 2006 when they moved to Bozeman, MT to be closer to their children. They resided at Highgate Senior Living, receiving needed care as their health declined.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, John (March 14, 2011), parents, and brothers. She is survived by her children: Janice of Seattle, WA, Patti of Missoula, MT, Paul of Buffalo, WY, and Gary (Zena Holliday) of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren Joe Nichols (Nayoun), Leah Nichols (Kevin Hall), and Jenna Nichols-Pagel (Gerry); great-grandchildren Jason Hong Nichols and Tessa Nichols-Pagel; three sisters-in-law and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 14, 2012 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home followed by a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
7:00 p.m.
Friday December 14, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 15, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Saturday December 15, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
7:00 p.m.
Friday December 14, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 15, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Saturday December 15, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Ruben and June Opp says
Holkup Family We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. She was always such a pleasant women. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all duriiing these days and the days ahead. May God Bless and comfort you all
Ruben and June Opp
Pam (Moths) Nisley says
I do remember your parents, my mom was blessed to have one of her first jobs there at Benson Optical. Her maiden name was Emma Lou Ekstrom, and she always spoke fondly of the folks she worked with, and as a young ranch wife and mother I remember she would bring us in with her to visit shortly with her former employer, ( your parents).
Blessings to all of you, you come from wonderful stock. Our prayers for God’s peace and comfort that only He can give.
Sincerely,
Pam (Moths) Nisley & husband Dave
Dorothy Armstrong Lang says
I so appreciated your mother’s part in the “Getting through Grief” support group. It was a big help to me and has helped me many times in dealing with other situations. She was a great lady, so kind and caring. God’s blessings to all of you at this difficult time.
Deborah Hanson says
I was privileged to work with Lillian and John as a member of Custer Resource Alliance.
They were always thoughtful, creative, positive and also dedicated to making sure our neighborhoods were healthy and safe. I will always remember Lillian’s warm greeting and great smile.
Mary & Fred Wambolt says
Paul (and family)…what a treasure your mom was. She and your dad were such wonderful people. My parents thought the world of them too! They will be remembered and missed by all who knew them!
You are in our thoughts and prayers that your faith and wonderful memories will bring you comfort.
Maureen O'Reilly says
Gary, Paul, Janice and Patti – My thoughts are prayers are with you during this time. I still remember when they first moved across the street from us and were working so hard on fixing up that house – and they did a great job. Our old neighborhood has changed but there are great memories of ALL the families that were there, and Holkups are one of the special ones.
Thomas F Peterson says
It was great to read about Lillian and of her husband John at this website. I had mailed them cards and letters for my mother when she was not able to any more, but only knew what she had told me about them. It was nice to learn more about them and their family. My mom Lucille Colette Holkup -Peterson was the cousin of John Holkup and I believe they worked together at their Uncle Jim corner store and bakery in Bismarck, ND for a time.
My mother passed away on June 7, 2010. May GOD BLESS all those hard working soles like our parents! Our prayers are with all of you! If you would like to get to know the other Holkup’s, we are here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/355029817933905/