December 25, 1936 – Sunday, December 16, 2007

Service Information
St. Michael Catholic Church
Wed. 12, 19, 2007
11:30 a.m.

Visitation Information

Russell Lawrence Holland, age 70, of St. Michael, MN passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at home with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

On Christmas Day (December 25), in 1936 Russell was born in Rockford Township, to William and Hazel (Fadden) Holland.

As a young boy his family moved to rural Buffalo. He attended country school in Maple Lake Township from first through eighth grade and went on the graduate from Maple Lake High School in 1954.

He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army for two years.

In 1959, Russell married Norma Peterson in Anoka at St. Stevens Catholic Church. Their marriage was blessed with five children.

After working a few years for a cement block company, he was hired by Honeywell. He began as a draftsman, and ultimately became a mechanical engineer. While at Honeywell, he attained a US patent in 1968 for one of the many products he helped develop. After 30 plus years, he took early retirement in 1993 at age of 57.

He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith as an adult in 1991. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael.

Russ greatly enjoyed camping and vacationing with his family. In 1976, he and his brother, Les, converted an old school bus into a camper. They, along with their families (12 in all), set out on a month-long adventure to Alaska.

He enjoyed golfing, and some of his favorite golf partners were his kids and grandkids.

Deer hunting, fishing and skiing were also enjoyable to Russ.

Bowling was a part of Russ’ life for many years. He bowled on men’s leagues as well as couple’s leagues with Norma, and his brother and sister-in-law.

He usually had a crossword puzzle going and a deck of cards and dice games ready for anyone who would drop by and be up for a game.

Russ was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He looked for ways to help others, everything from yard work to babysitting. He was a great role model and will be missed by many. We thank God for his life and for providing an eternal home for us all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Leo, Max, Harold, and Doug; sister-in-law, Millie; brother-in-law, Clarence; and parents-in-law, Melvin & Katherine Peterson.

He is survived by Norma, his wife of 48 years; sons: Bill (fiancé, Linda) of Monticello, Wayne of St. Michael, Wesley (Jeanne) of St. Michael; and daughters: Debra (Tim) Raab of Albertville, Dawn (Dave) Schmidt of Buffalo; 14 grandchildren: Eric, Andrea, Drew, Mitchell, Brent, & Bryan Holland, Connie (Nick) Faue, Katie & Jeff Raab, Dani, Beau, Nikki, Maria, and Ben Schmidt; great-grandson, Jarret Faue; Former daughter-in-law, Tammy Holland; brother, Les (Edith); sisters, Laverne Scherr, and Sally (Ed) Nemeth; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marvin & Mary Peterson.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 18, 2007 from 4-8 pm, with a prayer service at 7 pm led by Deacon Maynard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at St. Michael Catholic Church at 11:30 am with a one hour visitation prior to the service. Father Gregory Abbot will officiate. Interment is in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Hanover Food Shelf.

His 14 grandchildren will serve as casket bearers, readers, and gift bearers.