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Robert “Bob” Lee Holmes went peacefully from this world to his heavenly home on October 10, 2022, at the age of 87. He served his Lord and Savior throughout his life and will be remembered as a “good and faithful servant”. Bob loved being with people and spent his life ministering to others with a kindness and joy that was clear for all to see. 

He was born on December 22, 1934, to Omeria and Helen Holmes in Hopedale, Ohio and was raised in Dresden, Ohio. After high school, he attended Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary in central Michigan where he met and married Dorothy Welter from Knox, Indiana on June 14, 1957. As an ordained minister, he was sent to Fremont, Michigan to build and establish the Bridgeton Baptist Church where he served as pastor before moving on to the First Baptist Church in Hart, Michigan. He served as a full-time pastor for seven years before moving to Portage, Michigan where he worked as a foreman at Parker Hannifan for 22 years. Bob remained active in the ministry as a lay pastor for several years and assisted churches that were struggling or in transition. He enjoyed teaching and mentoring new pastors and always made time for calling on those in need. After retiring, he moved to Winneconne, WI and went on several mission trips with the Wings As Eagles program. During retirement, Bob had more time to devote to fishing, turkey and deer hunting and was able to escape to Florida for the winter months where he could fish almost every day. He enjoyed being outdoors and spent his spare time at his little plot of hunting land and garage near Boom Bay. 

During his lifetime, Bob was always active in a church community and served the Lord in many ways. He loved music and had a beautiful solo singing voice and enjoyed being in the choir. His special gift was comforting the sick and grieving and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord. He had a gentle, kind manner that touched hearts and brought joy to those around him. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Holmes of Covington, IN; a daughter, Deb Proxmire with husband, Paul, their son Jon Proxmire and his wife Meg and their children Kaylin and Grady; a son, Steve Holmes with wife Brenda and Steve’s daughter Katie Ringer with husband Tyler and their children Stryder and Willow, and Steve’s daughter Sarah Holmes. Also surviving are his sister, MaryJane Walton; nephews, Danny Holmes, Greg Boynton; and two nieces, Cathy Black and Julie Keys. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Omeria; his mother, Helen; brothers, Wesley and George; and niece, Cheryl Chatterton.

A private graveside service for the family will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the Winneconne Cemetery. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Harbor Haven in Fond du Lac for providing Bob with such kind and compassionate care during the last couple of years and recognize the efforts of Amy and Gary from Home Care Assistance in Oshkosh who made such a tremendous difference in his quality of life. To honor Bob, the family would like friends to send contributions in his memory to: Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation 459 East 1st St. Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.