In loving memory of

Herbert Edwin Holden
December 28, 1928 - April 5, 2021

Herbert Edwin Holden, age 92, died April 5, 2021, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa, of natural causes.

Herb was born December 28, 1928, in Union, Iowa, the third of seven children born to Clara Randall Holden and Glen Holden. At Fort Dodge High School, Herb was on the football team, so had opportunity to meet a pretty clarinet player in the marching band. Shirley Smiley became the love of his life. After graduation in 1947, they were married December 24, 1948.

Herb was an army veteran; he served in the National Guard, was activated in 1950, and stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict where he was a drill sergeant and helped build some of the first encampments.

Herb worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for several years, and then for the Iowa Highway Commission (Iowa Department of Transportation) until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, Herb and Shirley lived on the Oregon coast for a few years, enjoying the Pacific Ocean and beaches, and then moved back to Ames, Iowa. The last few years, Herb and Shirley resided at The Cedars, an assisted living facility in Madrid, Iowa.

Herb is survived by three children: Pam (Gary) Sejkora of Dubuque, Wendie (Harmon) Ballard of Woodland Park, CO, and Craig Holden of Ames; grandchildren: Sean (Gaby Gallentine) Sejkora of West Des Moines, Jason (special friend MiChelle Kocher) of Wilberding, PA, Christie Ballard of Colorado Springs, CO, and Gwen (Johnny) Bartmess of Nevada; great-grandchildren: Alexis Bartmess and Cassidi Bartmess; and one brother: Ron (Hazel) Holden of Houston, TX.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Smiley Holden in 2016; son, Mark Holden in 1962; and grandson, Toby Sejkora in 1974.

A private family service will take place at a later date. Burial will be in Ridgewood Cemetery, Council Bluffs, Iowa, next to his wife, Shirley, and son, Mark.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite veteran's organization in Herb Holden's name. Condolences may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Cedars for their care of Herb, especially during this difficult year, and the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mary Greeley Hospital.

Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Herb and his family.

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