Racine- John J. Holbus, 94, passed away peacefully at All Saints-St. Mary’s Medical Center on Thursday, April 20, 2006. A lifetime resident, John was born in Racine on September 30, 1911 to the late Martin and Caroline (nee: Haluska) Holbus. On April 10, 1937 in the rectory of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Alma L. Holmes, who preceded him in death on May 7, 1973. On October 2, 1976 in St. Lucy Catholic Church, he married Blanche C. “Betty” (nee: Raschella) Nitzke, who just passed away this March 29, 2006. A member of the Modine Mfg. 20 year club, John was employed for over 40 years by Modine as a tool and die maker, retiring on September 30, 1976. He was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. Among many of his interests, John enjoyed golfing, bowling, was a baseball fan, and loved traveling, especially to San Diego to escape the cold winters. Quite often, John could be found trying his luck at the casino where he was a member of the Potawatomi Firekeepers Club. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather whom will be deeply missed. Surviving are his children, John K. (Carol) Holbus, Donna (Richard) Meinert and Barbara (Raymond) Governatori; step-sons, Lawrence and Tyler Nitzke; grandchildren, Tom (Robin) Holbus, Jane (Jeff) Lui, Michele (David) Breheim, Sheryl (Robert) Petersen, Susan (Steve) Torosian, Krista (Michael) Edquist, Jennifer (Kent) Altmann, Dominic (Jodi) Governatori, Heidi Nitzke Bullock, Tyler Nitzke Jr., and Tanya Nitzke; great-grandchildren, Kristin and Michael Breheim, Melanie Holbus, Joshua and Jessica Lui, Rachel and Ryan Petersen, Amber Bullock, Sophia and Sara Torosian, Jacob and Randi Meinert, Mitchell and Larson Edquist, and Lily Altmann; sister, Susan Holbus; brothers, Rudolph, Martin, Frank, Edward (Beverly) and Joseph (Jean) Holbus; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents and wives, John was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth (Frank) Rahberger and Ann Holbus; and sisters-in-law, Virginia, Lorna and Betty Holbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 24, 2006 at 11:00 in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Brian T. Holbus officiating. Private interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 9:30-11:00 am. In memory of John, memorial masses to St. Lucy Church have been suggested.
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