Robert Holden Sr.

Robert E. Holden Sr., 88, of Baxter-Brainerd, died Tuesday April 1, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Brainerd. Funeral services will be Friday, April 4, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd with Reverend David Holte officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The relatives will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Thursday at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Eastern Star services will be at 6:30 PM and Masonic services at 7 PM.
Bob Holden is survived by two sons, Robert Holden Jr. and William (Joan) Holden, six grandchildren, Tim (Tina) Holden, Cathy (Jack) Olson, Michael (Michelle) Holden, Cindy Holden, Laura Holden, and Jennifer Holden; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Fran Holden, of Baxter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosella; four brothers, Alfred, John, Claude, Clarence; two sisters, Helen and Ida and one great-grandson, Derek.

Robert Holden was born on April 21, 1919, in Brainerd the son of Iver and Annie (Rosetto) Holden. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1938. He was united in marriage to Rosella Erickson at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd in 1939. He enlisted in the US Army Air Force during WW II and flew over 30 missions as a tail gunner in a B 17. Following his honorable discharge he worked for the US Government in civil service for 25 years serving in several countries until his retirement in 1978 when he returned to Brainerd where he has been a resident until his death. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Member and Past Master of Aurora Lodge #100, Member and Past Commander of Ascalon Commandery #16, Member and Past Illustrious Master of Zabud Council #10 Cryptic Masons, Member and Past High Priest of Brainerd Chapter #42 of Royal Arch Masons, Member of Knights of York Cross of Honor, Member of Holy Royal Arch Knights Priest, Member of Red Cross of Constantine, Member and Past Patron of Alpha Chapter #23, Order of the Easter Star, he served his community driving children to the Shrine Hospital, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, spending quality time with his family at his lake cabin.

In lieu of flowers memorial are preferred to the local Shrine for Shriners Children Hospital or the Easter Star.