Roy Frederick Holm Jr

Roy Holm Jr Obituary

HOLM, ROY FREDERICK JR., of Vadnais Heights (5/3/1936 – 4/16/2025). 

Preceded in death by his parents, Roy Frederick Sr. & Helen Donais Holm. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth; brother, Alan Holm (Gloria); & cousin, Frank Lane. Also survived by his children: Julia Deetz (Steve), Nancy Holm Callas (William), Steven Holm (Shannon), & Christina Yokanovich (Steven); grandchildren: Donais, Robert & Louisa Deetz, Colin & Matthew Yokanovich, & Bjorn Holm. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family, & friends. 

Roy grew up in St. Paul, MN, graduating from Cretin High School and the University of Minnesota with a degree in engineering. He served in the Air National Guard in France in 1962. Roy married Ruth in 1960, raising their family in Roseville, MN. They enjoyed a successful life partnership, with so many shared values and wonderful times together. 

Roy retired from 3M after working 37 yrs. as a mechanical engineer, ultimately as specialist in the packaging systems division. He was very proud to work for 3M at the peak of the company’s success. He was a loyal company man, and 3M returned that loyalty. He remained active in the retired engineers group, counting them as lifelong friends. 

Roy was a family man, in every sense of the word: He showed up at everything, for both children and grandchildren, he was so generous with his presence. We knew we mattered.

He was known for his remarkable photographic memory, spatial, mechanical, and mathematical ability. Roy was a problem-solver, and he took care of things, a good steward of all the gifts God gave him. 

Roy was a lifelong athlete, even into his 88th year. The best times of his life were spent on a pair of skis, rolling along on his bike, or swinging a golf club. If you played a round with Roy, he can tell you what your score was, down to the hole and the club you used, and he probably saved the scorecard. 

Cars need to be mentioned if we are to pay a proper tribute to Roy. He had some fast ones, and they were beautiful and well cared-for. He made sure all the family cars stayed in good condition. (“How is your car running?” was code for, “I care about you.”). Driving a boat was a close second, in terms of enthusiasm, and family camping trips were also a highlight. No one could pack a 1970’s station wagon for 3 weeks with 6 people and their gear the way our Dad did. We travelled most of the 50 states, focusing on national parks and historic sites. Roy biked and cruised through Europe in retirement. 

Roy placed a high value on education, both for himself and his children and grandchildren. He was generous in helping them with tuition and coming to each and every event, concert, recital, sporting event, and honors banquet he was invited to, continuing to support these schools, long after graduations, as he believed education to be pivotal to success and a happy productive life. Roy remained an active supporter as an alumni of Cretin High School, and the University of Minnesota, but also continued to support the schools his children and grandchildren attended: St. Rose of Lima parish and school, St. Isidore and Faithful Shepherd grade schools, Hill Murray, Grace, Holy Angels, and Holy Family high schools, The College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University. 

His Catholic faith mattered greatly to Roy, as did the tight-knit neighborhood where he grew up in St. Paul. He continued his loyalty to his boyhood friends through out his life. He was a solid friend, who enjoyed any kind of socializing or group event. Roy was a gracious host, who made everyone welcome. He was always happy to see you. 

Roy was inquisitive, a lifelong reader. Watching golf and football kept him happy most of the year. He had a lot to say about subjects like Vince Lombardi and Sam Sneed. He enjoyed the occasional practical joke and the telling of a good story. 

Values that Roy modeled are many: faith, loyalty, being present, moderation, duty, respect for authority, gratitude, precision, attention to detail, intelligence, humor, fitness, music, fresh air, and enjoying life with family around him. He will be so missed, and we take comfort knowing that he is happy now that he sees God face-to-face. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held May 1 at 10:30 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 2048 Hamline Ave. N., Roseville, with public visitation starting at 9:30 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Catholic Charities.

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