Roger D. Holdeman

Roger was born in Elkhart, Indiana on May 20, 1935, to Forest and Bertha (Eichelbergar) Holdeman, who preceded him in death along with a granddaughter, Elise Holdeman, and his beloved wife, Betty.

He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Morgan, on June 5, 1955 and they were blessed with three children: Deana Kay Sceniak (James) of Goshen, Indiana, Randall Dean Holdeman (Karen) of Kettering, Ohio, and Jean Holdeman (Cheri) of San Diego, California. Blessings continued with the gifts of 10 grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Roger followed in his mother's footsteps as he attended Trinity Lutheran School, as did his three children. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1953.

Church life was important to Roger and he was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkhart, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Elders. Along with Betty, they served the Lord by printing bulletin covers, newsletters, and other printed material for the church. He was also appointed to the Stewardship Board of the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Roger began his newspaper career as a paper boy, then managed paper boys, and later served as the Elkhart Branch Manager for "The Chicago Daily News". He then continued his career for 39 years as an advertising sales representative for "The Elkhart Truth" newspaper. Roger and Betty also operated Holdeman Printing from their home, providing printed materials for local businesses, as well as wedding invitations for neighbors in their community.

In 1995, Roger suffered a stroke which led to his retirement from "The Elkhart Truth". Betty helped Roger persevere with physical therapy which led to Roger enjoying many more years with family and friends, especially their annual anniversary celebrations at Oakwood Inn and at Hope Springs Inn. Family and friends will remember Roger for: prioritizing faith and family, a childhood friendship with 'Curly Top', a keen interest in photography, a German 'work hard' ethic, creativity with words, humor, his golf cart rides ( while handing out pup treats!), and his tenacity to never give up!

A private committal service with family was held in Elkhart and a "Celebration of Life" service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church of Elkhart on September 27 at 11:00. Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or the faith/family ministry of one's choice. To leave the family an online condolence, visit www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.