Mary Loucille Holdefer (Dolinsek) passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024 at Calvin Community Health Center. The family will greet friends on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 9:00 - 11:00 am at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax. A graveside funeral service will be held following at Colfax Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Calvin Community Activity Fund and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

Mary was born August 15, 1929 to Henry and Lillian (Batty) Dolinsek in Colfax, Iowa

Mary went to a country school through 8th grade and then to Colfax High School. Mary graduated with the class of 1947. The day after graduation, Mary started working for the Maytag Company in Newton, Iowa.

Mary met the love of her life, Harold William Holdefer in Colfax. They were united in marriage on April 9, 1948. To this union one son was born, Harold Wayne Holdefer, on February 4, 1951.

Shortly after their marriage , Mary and Harold purchased a farm in Wayne County near Confidence, Iowa. They moved there to start a farming business with Harold's parents. Mary helped with the farming business, she was a devoted Mother and Homemaker.

After they sold the farm they moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1960. Mary started to work for the Des Moines Register and Tribune newspaper until she retired in 1984.

After their retirement, Mary and Harold moved to Chariton, Iowa to enjoy their time together. After the passing of her husband, Harold, Mary moved to Prairie Hills Assisted living to be closer to her family. Mary eventually transitioned to living at Calvin Community Health Center, where she was "grandma" to many of the staff.

Mary will be greatly missed by her Grandsons; Mark (Diana) Holdefer, Matt (Kathi) Holdefer, and Jeff (Jason) Holdefer. 8 Great-Grandchildren and 8 Great-Great- grandchildren; Sisters, Margaret (Bill) Anderson and Helen Thompson. She will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Harold William Holdefer; Son, Harold Wayne Holdefer; Daughter in-law, Martha Holdefer; Parents, Henry and Lillian Dolinsek; Brother, John Dolinsek; Mother and father in-law, Harry and Viola Holdefer; and Brother in-law, Dwight Thompson.

"Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened"—Dr. Seuss