Elfriede Holmes, age 88, of Cambridge died November 3, 2021 at home surrounded by family. A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 18th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge. Interment will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.
Elfriede was born in Nikolsburg Czechoslovakia on April 18, 1933 to Adolf & Theresia Hoger. She was raised in Germany during the war. As a young woman she worked at a chalet in the Alps that was only accessible by hiking or rock climbing to the top and skiing down at the end of the season.
When she was 25 she met the love of her life, James Holmes, who was stationed in Germany. They were married in 1958, and to this union there were 6 children. The first 10 years of their marriage was Military Life and raising children. She taught herself to speak English by listening to language records. She took pride in sewing and knitting clothes for her children to take them to town.
After living in various places (Kansas, Curry MN & Fridley MN) they settled in Cambridge in 1972. She worked at Sundberg Nursing Home in Cambridge for 35 years in the laundry. After retiring from Sundberg’s, she volunteered her time at the Shalom Shop for 20+ years where she met many more friends.
She enjoyed traveling, coffee and exercising with friends. She loved her walks! She loved visitors and you could always expect to find the coffee on and some home baked goods waiting for you.
She was the Neighborhood Leader for the best kept yard.
These last 6 1/2 months she was surrounded by loving family to take care of her every need. She passed in the loving company of her family and she will be greatly missed by all.
Elfriede died November 3, 2021 at home surrounded by family at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 16 days. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James and brother, Alfred Hoger.
Elfriede is survived by her six children, John (Sara) Holmes, Sylvia Holmes, Miki (Dave) Roue, Mary (Chuck) Shackelton, David Holmes, Henry (Kendra) Holmes; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and by many other relatives and friends.
I worked beside this great lady at Shalom every Tuesday morning. She was funny and always smiling. I missed her when she left. I loved the German accent and the stories she told. Rest in Heaven my friend.
Condolences from your godchild Alfred and wife Ricke with children Melanie and Oliver from Germany
Our condolences to Elfriede’s family, she has always been such a fun and loving lady. Many fond memories of her Oma.
Love Bernie Jabs and Lea
Lovely days,
don’t cry that it’s over,
smile that they have been.
We would like to express our condolences to the whole family. Personally, I still have very fond memories of her visits to Germany.
Gerhard with Barbara,
Stefanie with Michael and
Diana with Florian