Dalton Luther Holmen

WAUNAKEE- Dalton L. Holmen, age 49, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2015. Dalton was born on January 26, 1966 in Minot, North Dakota. He attended four years of elementary school in Shawano, WI. In 1975, he moved with his family to Waunakee where he completed his elementary and secondary education. He attended UW-Madison and graduated in 1992 with a degree in pharmacy. He worked for Walgreens and Walmart for over 16 years. Dalton is survived by his parents, Don and Loretta Holmen; his son, Joshua (17); and Joshua's mother, Stephanie Holmen. Dalton is further survived by his two sisters: Doneta Chorney and husband Tom with their three children Tilly, Shelby, and Bailey; and his younger sister Della Dahlman and husband Joel with their three children Abagail, Alicia, and Amanda. Dalton will also be missed by his lifelong friend, Mike Thompson and his cats, Precious and Halo. In high school, Dalton participated in baseball and golf. He was an avid Brewers fan as well as Badgers fan. He especially enjoyed the Badgers basketball team Final Four run this spring. Spending time with his 21 cousins was an important part of his life growing up. The most important person in Da...[more]

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n's life was his son, Joshua. He was so proud of him and always enjoyed the time he spent with him. Dalton battled bipolar depression for 15 years and struggled with addiction as well. Watching him try to stay clean and sober was a struggle no parent should ever have to witness. Treatment centers, therapy, counseling, and supportive doctors and family helped for a time, but the cunning and baffling addictions prevailed. Society glorifies the use of alcohol, and for most, it can be used responsibly, but for Dalton, the disease consumed him. I have my Al-Anon family to thank for all their support and understanding over the last 15 years. Sadly, Dalton was one of the millions consumed by this horrible disease. Dalton had three open heart surgeries with the most recent one being in December of 2014. This was a 14 hour surgery that included kidney failure and hospitalization at the UW Hospital for 30 days. He suffered much during his life, and he, in his own way, tried to ease the pain with legal and non-legal drugs. I, as his father, loved him and intervened often on his behalf. He was a precious and wonderful son. As George McGovern said at the end of his book following his daughter's suicide, "I wish I would have tried one more time." Peace be with you, Dalton. Your memory and the kindness you showed your mom and dad was special. You will be missed daily. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." We serve a risen savior who conquered both sin and death. Visitation for Dalton will be from 12:15-1:45 PM on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 518 N. Franklin Ave. Madison, WI 53705 with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM. Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q Waunakee, WI 53597 608-849-4513