Earl Holdgrafer

Published 12:00 am Monday, June 28, 2010

  Earl A. “Tony” Holdgrafer, 84, of Austin, died Saturday, June 26, 2010, at Sacred Heart Care Center.
    Tony was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on Jan. 27, 1926, to Charlie and Lena Holdgrafer. He moved to a farm in Rose Creek in 1938. On Aug. 19, 1950, he was united in marriage to Marian Epping at Queen of Angels Catholic Church by Father Peter Coleman. Tony started working at the George A. Hormel Company on Jan. 4, 1951, and he retired on June 20, 1982.
    Tony belonged to the Adams Golf Club for 29 years and served one year as president. He was a charter member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, a loyal Democrat, Eagles club member for more than 60 years and a Knights of Columbus member for 12 years.
    In his leisure time, Tony liked to read, play cards, golf and travel. He spent two to three months in the winter in Mesa, Ariz. for 18 years, and went to Germany six times.
    Tony most likely had Alzheimers for the past 10 years.
    Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Marian Holdgrafer of Austin; daughters, Christine Vipond of Eden Prairie, Linda (David) Hydukovich of Wayzata, Diane (Ronnie) Slowinski of Brownsdale, Karen Holdgrafer (David) Berry of Fridley, Annette Holdgrafer (Stephen) Koch of Faribault; son, Mark Holdgrafer of Austin; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brother, Harold Holdgrafer of Austin; sister, Ethel Bellrichard of Austin; sister-in-law, Luella Holdgrafer of Austin; many nieces and nephews; cousins (some in Germany); many friends.
    He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; a baby son; a baby granddaughter.
    The family is extremely grateful to the staff at Sacred Heart Care Center for their excellent care and to Father Zenk for his visits and support.
    A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the church and also at a luncheon following the service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are by Mayer Funeral Home.