John Edward Holdeman
Died December 22, 2013

Traverse City – John Edward Holdeman, 43, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at his family home on Old Mission Peninsula after a long battle with cancer. John was born in Traverse City on April 2, 1970 to Jane and Bob Holdeman. He graduated from Traverse City High School and Northwestern Michigan College. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. He was an artist by profession.

On November 11, 2005 John married Elizabeth Abernethy also at the family home. John and Liz lived in Seattle Washington and Portland Oregon, before recently returning to Traverse City. John is survived by his wife, Liz, his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Scott and Sarah Holdeman, niece Anna Bea,and nephew Grey. Also surviving are aunts, Betsy Arcari, Peggy (Rob) Serbin, Ann (Paul) Schwartzkopf, and six cousins. John will be deeply missed by all who experienced his gentle spirit, his zany sense of humor, his creativeness in all aspects of life and his talent for friendship.

A celebration of John's life will be held in the summer at the Michigan Legacy Art Park. In lieu of flowers those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a contribution in John's name to the Art Park where a memorial sculpture in his name is being planned.

Michigan Legacy Art Park
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.,
Thompsonville, Michigan 49683.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to the wonderful, caring nurses from the Hospice of Michigan for making it possible for John to spend the end of his life at home. Without their support it would not have been possible.


The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with John's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .