Racine – Joseph Robert Holbus, Sr., age 96, passed away peacefully surrounded with the love of family, on Monday, May 6, 2024 at St. Monica's Senior Living.

Joe was born in Racine on February 22, 1928 to the late Martin and Caroline (née: Haluska) Holbus. He attended Hansche School and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1946.  Immediately after high school, he joined the United States Navy where he served our country from 1946-48. When he returned, Joe attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

On August 11, 1951 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Racine, Joe was united in marriage with the love of his life, Jean A. (née: Heymen). An amazing husband and devoted father, Joe and Jean had seven children (including two sets of twins).  Sadly, Jean passed away on May 25, 2020 after nearly 69 years of marriage.

Joe was a talented master carpenter for over 44 years.  He was a sub-contractor, building homes throughout our community.  He also served as the master carpenter for the City of Racine, from where he retired in 1995.

Joe and Jean loved to travel and enjoyed numerous trips together.  For many years they spent the winter months in San Diego, their favorite trips were to Hawaii and Alaska.  Joe's hobbies included golf, bowling, yardwork, building projects out of wood, watching the Packers & Brewers, watching Price is Right & Jeopardy, playing cribbage and working the daily crossword puzzles.  Joe and Jean also enjoyed the time spent visiting family and friends, playing cards and going out to dinner.

Surviving Joe are his children, Joseph (Loreen) Holbus Jr. of Rochester, MN; Barry Holbus of Racine; Rev. Brian Holbus of St. Francis, WI; Gregory (Debra) Holbus of Necedah, WI; Theresa Holbus of Racine; Dianne (Tom) Armato of Delavan, WI;  and Daniel (Sheila) Holbus of Racine. He is further survived by grandchildren, Karen (Todd) Ratner, Christopher (Korrie) Holbus, Gregory Holbus Jr., Danielle (Chris) Easton, Daniel (Tiffany) Holbus Jr., Robert (Shanda) Holbus, Paula (Spencer) Shimon, Mark (Cassie) Armato, Cezar (Scout Sutter) Tinoco, Jairo (Sylvia Katie Black) Tinoco; 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson;  brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Janice) Heymen and Tom Heymen; lifetime best-friend, Richard (the late Darlene) Heidenreich; lifetime family friend, Patricia (the late Gil) Miller; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, John (Alma, Blanche), Martin (Lorna), Rudy (Virginia), Frank (Betty) and Ed (Beverly) Holbus; sisters, Betty (Frank) Rahberger, Ann Holbus and Sue Holbus; and sisters-in-law, Roberta (Robert) McLellan and Joan Heymen.

Visitation / viewing will be held in the chapel of St. Monica's Senior Living (3920 N. Green Bay Rd.) on Wednesday, May 15 ^th , from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day on Thursday, May 16 ^th , at 12:00 noon at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring Street) with Fr. Brian Holbus and Fr. Yamid Blanco concelebrating. There will also be a visitation at the church on Thursday from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. Interment, with military honors, will take place at Holy Family Cemetery, Hwy 31.

Memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or to St. Monica's Senior Living have been suggested.

The Holbus family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to entire staff of St. Monica's Senior Living and Hospice Alliance for all their care, love and support during this difficult time. May God bless all of you!

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