Clarence W Holleman

Clarence William Holleman, age 87, of South Holland, IL, passed away Friday , August 23, 2013. Beloved husband of 63 years to the late Shirley Lagestee Holleman. Loving father of Christie (William) Smit. Cherished grandfather of Austin, Alicia, and Tyler Smit. Dear brother of Ken (Jean) Holleman, late Colby (late Len) VanderAa, late Nellie (late Bus) Clark, late Annie (late Cornelius) DeYoung, late Louis (late Shirley) Holleman, late Grace (late Jim) Tobey, late Tunis Jr. (late Gwen) Holleman, late Mickey (Jim) Franczek, and the late Shirley (Cal) Couwenhoven. Dear brother- in- law of Lenora (late Martin) Mulder, late Elaine (late John) Eagan, Leonard (Betty) Lagestee, late Judi (late George) Pappas, late Wayne Lagestee, and Betty Riddering. Cherished uncle of many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Tunis and Florence Holleman. Al was born in 1925, the eighth child of Tunis and Florence. Eventually there would be 10 kids and never a dull moment in the Holleman house. He had a wonderful time growing up in South Holland, IL - many fun times with friends and family. He graduated from Thornton High School. He was a laborer for I.V.I. Construction, Fred Berglund Construction and other companies. He loved spending every summer since 1949 water skiing, golfing, fishing, playing bean bags and having fun at Bass Lake, IN. He loved all of his friends and family at Rannells Park. He was a founding member of the OPPO Boat and Ski Club. He was known for his trick skiing and entertained others by starting up backwards, going over the ski jump backwards and landing backwards. For 21 years he enjoyed Florida winters with his snowbird friends at the Water''s Edge Resort in Pine Island, FL. For most of his life he loved to play cards with friends and family. We enjoyed his sense of humor, selflessness, generosity and boundless energy. He made us all laugh and feel loved. He was a devoted Father, Husband and Grandfather. He really cared and looked after Christie and Bill-always wanting what was best for us. He gave constant care to his wife, Shirley, as she was dying from cancer last year. He never left her side and never complained. He was a wonderful Grandfather to his three grandchildren, spending time with them, watching their sporting events and being a constant presence in their lives. For the past seven years you could often find him caring for and enjoying his four-legged friend, Penny. Visitation Friday, August 30, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at the Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30 & Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN 46311with Rev. Matt Waterstone and Rev. Mel DeVries officiating. Interment Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery - Lansing, IL. Memorial contributions can be given to First Reformed Church (15942 South Park Ave. South Holland, IL 60473.)