Mardelle M. Holmes

Mardelle M. Holmes, age 98, of Hastings, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025. She was born on December 5, 1926, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Thomas and Anna (Haase) Hansen.

Mardelle met her future husband, R.A. “Dick” Holmes, through a family connection. Before their marriage, she attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, earning a two-year teaching degree. Mardelle’s teaching career was brief but meaningful as she taught for one year in a one-room schoolhouse in Schaller, IA.

Mardelle and Dick were married on Friday, May 28, 1947. They shared 55 years of marriage before Dick’s passing on September 23, 2002.

The couple initially farmed near Alta, IA, before relocating to a new farm in Minnesota in 1955. Two years later, they transitioned to city life and settled in Hastings. For most of her married life, Mardelle was a dedicated full-time mother and homemaker. She ensured her three children attended church regularly and actively participated in church life by teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir.

In her free time, Mardelle enjoyed crossword puzzles, crocheting intricate doilies, and knitting hats, mittens, scarves, afghans, and the occasional sweater. She also loved reading and embroidery.

When her youngest child started second grade, Mardelle pursued work outside the home. She worked at the Dakota County Courthouse on 3rd and Vermillion Streets in Hastings. During her 17-year career, she served as a clerk in the treasurer’s office and the auditor’s office before retiring.

Mardelle and Dick shared a love of dancing and cherished short road trips, which often included fishing and boating near their second home at Rush Lake, MN. Dick’s job also gave Mardelle the opportunity to travel with him to Chicago, Kansas City, and the Alamo in Texas. The couple also enjoyed family visits and class reunions in Iowa. However, their happiest memories were made at Rush Lake, where they lived for nearly 40 years before retiring to Hastings.

Mardelle was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Anna Hansen; her husband, R.A. “Dick” Holmes; her children, Hugh Holmes and Alice Harris; her sisters, Mickey Huseman and Marjorie Holmes; her son-in-law, Kenneth Harris; brothers-in-law, Donald Holmes Sr. and Robert Huseman; three nephews; and one niece.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Holmes of Zephyrhills, FL; her grandchildren, Richard Harris of Hastings and Hannah Harris of Coats, MN; as well as five nephews and two nieces.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Hastings Fire and Ambulance Service for their assistance when it was needed. Deep gratitude also goes to the caregivers from Allina Hospice, Home Instead, and Home Senior Care for their kindness, meal preparation, laundry assistance, and companionship. A special thanks to the doctors and nurses who ensured Mardelle’s final days were comfortable. Lastly, the family thanks the staff at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel for their compassionate support during Mardelle’s final journey.

A funeral service to honor Mardelle’s life will be held on on Friday, January 31, 2025, from noon to 3:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033. A private graveside service will take place at a later time.

The family kindly requests no flowers due to allergies. If you wish to honor Mardelle’s memory, donations may be made to the Hastings Fire Department.