Donald Ray Holeman

Donald Ray Holeman, 90, of Kalkaska, passed away peacefully at French Manor in Traverse City, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. 

Donald was born in McPherson, Kansas on June 13, 1936, to Earl F. and Mildred I. (Bartley) Holeman and remained a Jayhawks fan long after he left Kansas. 

After graduating from high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably in the role of Security Cryptographer in the Philippines and other locations. Upon discharge, Don joined his parents in McLeansboro, Illinois, where he met his future wife, Glenda Rae (Cluck) Holeman. They married and raised three children, while moving across the country to build Don’s career in oil and gas exploration. 

Don was highly skilled and dedicated to the work of safely extracting oil and gas, quickly rising to the position of district manager. He worked for Baroid and McCullough Oil Field Services, which eventually brought them to Kalkaska in the late 1970s during the “oil boom” in northern Michigan. It is here that they planted roots with their children and enjoyed all that Michigan had to offer. 

Don was an avid golfer and was a member of Twin Birch Golf Course for 30 years. After retirement, Don and Glenda traveled each winter to Orange Beach, Alabama to escape winter and enjoy the beach. They had several special friends that they spent time with in Alabama, including Glenda’s sister and brother-in-law Judy and Don. They were able to extend their golf season in Alabama, walk his beloved dog Lily in the Alabama State Park, and simply enjoy the magnificent ocean view from the patio. 

Don lived a full life and was surrounded by love his entire life, first by his parents and brother Alan, and later by his devoted wife of 65 years, Glenda, his kids and his friends. Until recently, Glenda took loving care of him at home as dementia diminished his independence. Because of her care, and the support of hospice, Don was able to stay at home until very recently. He will be remembered by so many for his passion, humor, and reliability. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Earl F. and Mildred I. (Bartley) Holeman, his cherished son Michael E. Holeman, and his niece Tara (Holeman) Morgan. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Glenda Rae (Cluck) Holeman, his children Dale (Lisa Monnier) Holeman and Kelly (Dennis Rosinski) Holeman, his grandchildren Samantha M. Holeman and Maxwell R. Holeman-Perrin, his brother Alan E. (Barbara) Holeman, his sister-in-law Judy (Dr. Don) Mitchell, special family friends Tisch A. Scott and Tracey A. Conrady, and several nieces and nephews. 

A service was held at Kalkaska Funeral Home. Burial took place at Evergreen cemetery in Kalkaska. The family is grateful for the support of the community and encourages you to make a donation in his name to an organization that has warmly touched Don and his loved ones: Hospice of Michigan or Kalkaska Animal Shelter. Arrangements were entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.