GLADSTONE - Axel "Clay" Holm, 89, of 302 Dakota Ave., Gladstone, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, July 10, 2012, at the Christian Park Health Care Facility in Escanaba.
Clay was born, Oct. 28, 1922, the son of Axel and Esther (Hanson) Holm. Clay was raised in Gladstone and was a 1940 graduate of the Gladstone High School. Shortly after graduation, Clay moved to Detroit where he was employed at Hudson Motor Car Company, Briggs Manufacturing, Superior Tool and Die Company and Divco Twin Truck Company.
On March 18, 1943, Clay enlisted in the United State Navy, serving as a first class yeoman, and was stationed in Guam, Panama, and Great Lakes. Throughout his enlistment, he received medals of accommodation which included the Good Conduct Award, American Area Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 6, 1946. Upon Clay's discharge, he moved to Milwaukee where he attended the Milwaukee School of Business.
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Axel ‘Clay’ Holm
On Nov. 13, 1948, Clay was united in marriage to the former Theresa Peltier and together they made their home and raised their family in Gladstone.
Earlier in their marriage, Clay was employed at the Buckeye Mill (Atlas Plywood) as an assistant to the plant manager. In 1955, the couple built and operated the Shorewood Motel and two years later they opened and operated the Shorewood Dinette, in Gladstone. In 1960, Clay was hired at Mead Paper where he worked for 25 years until his retirement, as a bleach plant operator, in 1985.
His hobbies included, ice fishing, gardening, watching sporting event and later watching his grandchildren participate in sports.
Survivors include his daughter, Linda (Rick) Shumard of Gladstone; sons, Barry (Gayla Ansell) Holm of Gladstone, Brian (Debbie) Holm of Gladstone, Bruce (Diane) Holm of Gladstone; grandchildren, Cheri (Luis) Careas of Thorndale, Pa., Shelli (Jon) Zug, of Maytown, Pa., Jon Flippin of Garden City, Mich., Ryan (Becca Zemba) Holm, of Gladstone, Matt (Kelly) Holm of Howards Grove, Wis. and Sean Holm of Gladstone; and great-grandchildren, Colton Seace and Logan and Amber Zug.
In addition to his parents, Axel and Esther Holm, he was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa on Feb. 4, 2012; his brothers, Loren and Harvey Holm.
Clay's family will receive friends on Thursday from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visitation at 6:45 p.m. and will be conducted by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Funeral services to celebrate Clay's life will follow military rites at 7 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Rev. Scott Harmon officiating. Clay will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Theresa, on Friday at 10 a.m. at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gladstone Fan Club. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County. Messages of condolence to the Holm family may be offered online at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.
