Service Details
Services will be at the funeral home on Sunday, September 26, 2021, with visitation from 4:00pm-6:00pm and service at 6:00pm.
John King Holbus was born October 28, 1937, in Racine, WI, as the oldest child and only son of John and Alma (nee: Holmes) Holbus. John passed away on September 18, 2021, after a long struggle with cancer.
On January 3, 1959, John married the love of his life, Carol Jean Smalancke. Over the next 62 years, John and Carol raised three children: Tom (Beth), Jane (Jeff) Lui, and Susan (Steve) Torosian. They were also blessed with 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: Melanie (Matt) Urban, Joshua and Jessica Lui, Sophia and Sara Torosian, and Zoe Regner, Connor Lui, and Henry Urban.
He is survived by his wife, children and grand/great grandchildren, sister Barbara (Ray) Governatori, uncle Joe Holbus, brother-in-law Dick Meinert, brothers-in-law John Smalancke and Richard Smalancke, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father’s second wife Betty Holbus, his sister Donna Meinert, Carol’s sister and brother Ruth Webb and Robert Smalancke, and his daughter-in-law Robin Holbus.
Through the years John enjoyed participating in basketball, fastpitch baseball, golf, and riding his Harley. He excelled in all of them.
John and Carol built their family home, doing much of the work themselves. He later helped his kids complete many projects on their homes too. He could fix anything and was quick to lend a hand or lend a tool when needed.
John worked for UPS for 33 years, accumulating more than 25 years without an accident.
After he retired from UPS, John and Carol volunteered with Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed many vacations and good times with family and friends, including skydiving for his 80th birthday. He enjoyed watching his grandkids grow up and do a variety of things. His love, humor, and enthusiasm will be deeply, deeply missed.
Services will be at the funeral home on Sunday, September 26, 2021, with visitation from 4:00pm-6:00pm and service at 6:00pm. Please see the funeral home website for the full obituary.
Raymond C.Rorek family says
We would like to extend our condolences to his family. This from a former lake Parker ,fast pitch team mate.
Kay Kiehlbauch Nannet says
John & Carol were fabulous neighbors, and Jane was my best childhood friend. So many great memories I have of all of them. Wishing all John’s loved ones peace and hope in the days ahead.
Anonymous says
carol so sorry to hear about john my thoufghts are with you walter
Erin Decker (McClure) says
So very sorry to hear about Mr. Holbus my thoughts and prayers are with you
Dr W Hogan says
A prized patient and genuine human being! I throughly enjoyed our visits!!
His appointments made me feel better than the patient!!
My sympathies to the family.
He will truly Rest In Peace
WJ Hogan MD
Harold Allen says
Johnny and. I grew up in Lake Park as child hood friends. He run faster, throw a ball faster and jump higher than me. Had many good times. I always thought he would play pro ball.
Donald Beaulieu says
So sorry to see the obituary of my old friend John Holbus from where we grew up in Lake Park Wisconsin. He was a great ball player and while I was on the softball team also our team was not on the level of his and they won many championships.
I see two other guys I know from Lake Park Ray Rorek and Harold Allen.
Don