John "Alvin" Holle

John “Alvin” Holle, age 95, of Linn formerly of Barnes, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020, at the Clay County Medical Center in Clay Center.

John was born on January 21, 1925, at his parent’s farm home south of Barnes. He is the son of Fred A. and Clara M. (Haverkost) Holle. 

After finishing the ninth grade he worked full time for his dad on the family farm until he was drafted into the service. He came home and married Arlene M. Henry on October 27, 1945 at Washington, she passed away on August 24, 1991. 

Except for a brief period when he worked construction and farmed, he continued to work his family’s land. He never quite retired. 

He married Arlene L. (Scheele) Wiechmann on April 30, 1994, she passed away on July 9, 2003.

John was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, south of Barnes, and the John Doerr Post 163 of the American Legion in Barnes. He also served on the school board, township board and the Co-op boards.

John was a fun loving guy who never grew up, often being more of a rascal than the grandkids. He was also known for being independent and strong willed.

Survivors include his six children: Mary Tate  (Ron Leeson) of Linn, Judy (Lawrence) Riek of Clay Center, Susan Muller of St. Paul, Nebraska, Ivan Holle of Linn, Gale (Dee) Holle of Marysville and Oren (Sharon) Holle of Linn, sixteen grandchildren, eight step grandchildren, fifty-one great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren, and by his long time special friend Irene Wray.

Preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters: Inez Jorgenson and Velma Thoms and two son-in-law’s: Terry Lehman and Thad Tate. Viewing is from noon to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, with visitation between 6:30 and 8:00 pm, at Terry-Christie Funeral Home in Waterville.

Funeral services are planned for 2:00 pm, Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, south of Barnes, with Pastor Michael Hofmann officiating. Kathie Otney is the organist and will accompany the congregation as they sing “How Great Thou Art”, “Beautiful Savior” and “Amazing Grace”. Casket bearers are Max Morris, Levi Morris, Bryce Lehman, Jeremiah Muller, Justin Muller, Casey Muller, Timothy Holle, Dakota Holle, Nikolas Holle and Tyler Holle. Honorary Bearers are Tonya Allen, Cari Pfizenmaier, Brandy Lehman, Sara Bierhaus, Samantha Depew and Megan Hanson. Burial with Military Honors will be at Maplewood Cemetery, west of Barnes.

Memorials are suggested to either: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or the Clay County Medical Center, to be used for activities. Memorials may be sent in care of Terry-Christie Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.