RACINE – Professor David V. Holmes, 69, died peacefully at WFH – All Saints on Saturday, December 27, 2014, with his family at his side.
He is survived by his wife, Cathleen; his sons, Joshua (Stacie) Holmes, Raena (Erik) Karolus, Fritz (Katie) Holmes; his grandchildren, Finja, Evan, Luna and Finnegan all of Racine. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Holmes of California; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom (Suzan) Schober of Green Bay, Bill (Lisa) Schober of Chicago, John (Ann) Schober of Iowa, Prudy (Chris) Smith of North Carolina; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and former students. He was preceded in death by their infant son, Caleb, and his mother and father, the late Raynor and Dorothy (nee: Valentine) Holmes.
David was born on November 27, 1945 in upstate Newark, New York. After he graduated from Temple University, Tyler School of Art, he earned his MFA at the University of Wisconsin, where he met Cathleen, also an art student. They were married in Milwaukee on March 22, 1975.
David began his career as an Art Professor at UW Parkside in 1977, and dedicated his life to art and art education. His work was recognized in 2013 with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the visual arts in Wisconsin.
A memorial service will be held in the summer at the Holmestead Cabin, date to be announced. An art scholarship in David’s name is established through the Educators Credit Union in Racine for those wishing to contribute to a memorial.
michelle m Martin says
…I learned this morning that the world lost a great artistic talent…my heart is so very heavy as I have known this man since I was 16 and he taught me to paint at U.W. Greenbay on a summer art scholarship….since then he continued to teach me at U.W. Parkside, where he brought out nuances in my art I had no idea i possessed…I was honored when he attended my wedding to Bill…I considered him a mentor, a teacher, a friend and an enormous talent. The world is a little darker without him. You will be so missed David Holmes….Godspeed my friend…..
Jessica fair and family says
God bless David,we love you
Mary Moss says
Happy trails, pardner. You were the greatest, crustiest old owlhoot I ever had the joy of knowing.
Becky Kehrberg says
I only met David once, at Erik and Raena’s wedding. He was the nicest and funniest man who had the ability to make me feel so totally comfortable and at home. My heart goes out to you on your loss. Savor the memories.
Becky
Lisa Mary Fanning says
Professor Holmes was one of my favorite instructors. I’m sorry to hear of his passing and glad I got learn from him.
Erin Hammmond says
Professor Holmes was a phenomenal teacher and friend. He believed in my work as a student and continually challenged me to grow as an artist. My success at being an international selling artist is partly due to this man and his encouragements. I have great memories of pep talks and life stories. I know this can not be easy for his family. My prayers are with you all. Professor Holmes lives on in so many hearts.
God Bless.
Erin
Jane Brosseau says
To our loving and inspiring muse…to our fine and honorable teacher…to your precious life and all of the tremendous gifts you have given us in both art and in life. You will be sorely missed. Peace and love to your amazing family. It’s so hard to know that you are gone.
Georgette Edwards says
David touched generations of student and teacher lives. His generous spirit will be greatly missed. I am saddened and encourage you in your grief to know that death has no power to sever the bonds of love.
Ryan Brooks says
David was my one of my mentors through college. He was one of the brightest minds I’d ever met, and it still stands true today for me. He was always extremely passionate. He painted. Alot. Loved dogs. Loved whiskey. Had a voice you could hear from across the campus. You will be missed David Holmes.
Katherine Carson says
Many hugs and wishes for peace to the family. I have always found great joy in the beautiful, wonderfully complex artwork shared with us. May he continue to live on in our hearts. K
Renee Billman says
Cathy and family,
So sorry for your loss. Josh was in our Ellen’s class at Fine Arts. Your husband was a great talent, and his influence will continue for many years. May he rest in peace.
Ryan Halsey says
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and deeply honored to have known and to have been taught by him. Please keep me posted when a date has been decided for the memorial. Thank you and God bless.
Barb and Joe Caminiti says
Cathy, we met you and Dave >30 years ago when we shared a maternity room at the hospital. We have never forgotten what nice folks you both were. We are saddened to hear of Daves passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Allen Mader says
I will miss David and his sense of humor. Please inform me of his service up north.
Judith and Jeff Benning says
We knew David and Cathy when they were students at the university of Wisconsin Madison. Cathy we’re so sorry that you lost your husband. He was a talented artist