Earl "Tony" Holdgrafer

Earl A. "Tony" Holdgrafer, age 84, of Austin, died Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Sacred Heart Care Center. Tony was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on January 27, 1926 to Charlie and Lena Holdgrafer. He moved to a farm in Rose Creek in 1938. On August 19, 1950 he was united in marriage to Marian Epping at Queen of Angels Catholic Church by Father Peter Coleman. Tony started working at the George A. Hormel Company on January 4, 1951 and he retired on June 20, 1982. Tony belonged to the Adams Golf Club for 29 years and served one year as President. He was a charter member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, a loyal Democrat, Eagles club member for over 60 years and a Knights of Columbus member for 12 years. In his leisure time, Tony liked to read, play cards, golf, travel (spent two to three months in the winter in Mesa, Arizona for 18 years), and went to Germany six times. Tony most likely had Alzheimers for the past ten years. Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Marian Holdgrafer, Austin; daughters, Christine Vipond, Eden Prairie, Linda (David) Hydukovich, Wayzata, Diane (Ronnie) Slowinski, Brownsdale, Karen Holdgrafer (David) Berry, Fridley, Annette Holdgrafer (Stephen) Koch, Faribault; son, Mark Holdgrafer, Austin; nine grandchildren; one great granddaughter; brother, Harold Holdgrafer, Austin; sister, Ethel Bellrichard, Austin; sister-in-law, Luella Holdgrafer, Austin; many nieces and nephews; cousins (some in Germany); many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; a baby son; a baby granddaughter. The family is extremely grateful to the staff at Sacred Heart Care Center for their excellent care and to Father Zenk for his visits and support. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 am on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the church and also at a luncheon following the service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

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