Richard “Rich” Gates Holben Jr., 76, of Coldwater, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.
A Celebration of Life will take place from 1:00 – 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Coldwater Elks Club. The family is being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Rich was born on August 26, 1942 to Richard Gates and Eloise (Hill) Holben Sr. in Mt. Pleasant. After graduating from Coldwater High School in 1960 he went on to receive his Associates of Science Degree from Northwood Institute. He was first married to Patsy Feller which ended in divorce and then to Holly Shettler which also ended in divorce. He married Mary Hemker on June 27, 1998.
He was a longtime business owner of Great Lakes Insul-Roof in Quincy and Rich’s Tires in Coldwater.
Rich was a member of Coldwater Rotary from which he received the Paul Harris Award. He was also a member of the Coldwater Elks. Rich loved to golf and was a member of the Coldwater Country Club. He enjoyed fishing, boating, bowling and watching sports especially the University of Michigan. Rich was very athletic and was a captain of the Coldwater Cardinal basketball team.
He is survived by his wife Mary; his children, Christopher (Cheryl) Holben of Sacramento, California, Julie (Scott) Butler of Silver Spring, Maryland and Kelle (Joe) Hinspeter of Homer; his step-children, Eric (Chris) Dean of Grand Ledge and Morgan (Casey) Longstreet of Coldwater; his 13 grandchildren; his brother, Rob (Sandy) Holben of Harbor Springs and his best friend, Dr. Dave Rubley of Coldwater. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pat Timm.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Coldwater Rotary Club. www.dutcherfh.com