Ortonville- Fred Holling died Dec. 1, after a courageous battle with cancer in which the community was uniting to support him.
He was 69.
The Ortonville resident and his family had hoped for a stem cell transplant and were in the process of raising funds for the expensive procedure which their insurance companies declined to cover ( ‘A Christmas wish to be well,? The Citizen, Nov. 24, page 3). A spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the family continued as planned Dec. 4 with a large turnout. The fundraiser attracted several hundred people.
‘I cannot express the overwhelming gratitude I feel for our community,? said Barb Holling, Fred’s wife of nearly 48 years. ‘What a tribute to my husband. We’re blessed.?
‘He fought valiantly,? said Jill Adair, Holling’s daughter. ‘He’s at peace and not suffering anymore.?
Fred Holling worked as a troubleshooter for printing presses at A.B. Dick for several years before moving on to work at Plante & Moran as a printer. He retired in 2000 after 19 years of service. Holling worked part-time at MacPhee’s Restaurant performing maintenance after his retirement, until he became too ill in November 2006.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, and NASCAR. He also liked to tinker and do yardwork.
Holling was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Ging Council.
Beloved husband of Barbara; dear father of Jill Holling (David) Adair of Ortonville and Rick of W.Va.; dear brother of Janice Ostrowski of Rochester and Richard (Roberta) Holling of Maine; dear grandfather of Steven and Justin Holling and Chance Adair.
A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Dec. 6 at St. Anne Church. Rev. Fr. Ron Richards officiated. Interment in Ortonville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be given to the Edna Burton Senior Center, 345 Ball St., Ortonville, MI 48462.
The Holling family plans to use the money from fundraisers to help others in need of transplants.
‘We couldn’t save Fred, but we would like to help someone else,? Jill said. ‘We thank everyone for being so supportive and for their thoughts and prayers. Fred has work to do, just not here.?