Arthur James Holmberg

In Loving Memory of Arthur James Holmberg

(August 9, 1936 - October 27, 2023)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Arthur James Holmberg, of Brandon, MB, who peacefully left this world on October 27, 2023, at the age of 87, at Fairview Personal Care Home. Arthur, fondly known as “Art,” was formerly a resident of Ninette, MB.

Art was born on Aug 9, 1936, to Ellis and Sylvia Holmberg at the family home in Erickson MB. He was the 2nd of 12 siblings. Art spent his school years in Erickson until working was required to help support the family. Making daily trips to Winnipeg for the local transfer company in Erickson was one his earliest jobs. Later, working as a mechanic at the Esso station in Erickson provided him with a long-life skill.

Living in Erickson as a young adult, he met his sweetheart and 1st wife Olga Kuzmiak. They were married in 1959 and built their family with first Jimmy in 1965 and then Laurie in 1969. Somewhere in that time, Art became a partner in A&A Construction in Erickson. As busy as he was with that, Art was an avid golfer, curler and snowmobiler and volunteered on various community clubs and found time to volunteer and spend time as fire chief.

In 1975 our family moved to Russell MB where Art became a partner in the Central Hotel. Although it kept him busy day and night, somehow, he still found time to try and introduce his young family to the same fun activities that he enjoyed. In 1979 Art & Olga sought an adventure and we packed up and headed out west to Kelowna, where Art worked for a small construction company. Camping, fishing, and golfing filled his spare time with the family. However, you can’t take the prairie out of the boy and after 4 years we packed up and headed home to our roots. The family moved to Brandon in 1983 and Art set up shop out of his grey van, moving his shop-on-wheels from job to job and spent his time doing what he loved, carpentering.

Being self-employed, Art was able to maintain a strict coffee schedule with others at Robins Donuts. Art & Olga bought the “love shack” down in Ninette in the late 80’s and spent many a day on the lake, ice fishing. They eventually moved to Ninette full time and enjoyed meeting many new coffee partners. Art continued selling and installing doors and windows, but just enough to be as busy as he wanted to be. During this time, Olga was diagnosed with cancer and after a courageous battle, passed away in 2001 leaving a hole in Art’s heart. However, he would start a new chapter when he met Joyce Main, and they were married in 2003. This union would expand Art’s family to include 4 stepchildren and over the years 9 step grandchildren and 18 step great grandchildren.

Art and Joyce were very involved in the Rebekah’s and Odd Fellows and moved to Brandon in 2007. Art also became involved in The Salvation Army, rising to the rank of senior soldier. Many hours were spent volunteering, helping where needed, including singing in the choir and the meals on wheels program.

Art’s body and mind started to fail which resulted in his admittance to the health care system in 2020 and eventually Fairview Home in 2021. He remained at Fairview until his passing.

Art is survived by his loving wife Joyce, his son Jim (Jeanne) of Carman MB, and his daughter Laurie Holmberg of Coquitlam BC. Art’s legacy also includes two grandchildren, Quinn (Jeff) Kriski and Zack (Sarah) Holmberg. Two great-grandchildren, Alex and Mackenzie Kriski, four stepchildren, Pam Willis, Marion Willis, Lillian Smith and John Willis, nine step-grandchildren, and 18 step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his loving family, Art is survived by his brothers, Leslie (Sandy) of Winnipeg MB, and Raymond of Brandon MB as well as his sisters Alma Warniski, Lavina Granger, and Joanie McTavish, all of Brandon MB and sister-in-law Krista Holmberg of Winnipeg MB. Art was predeceased by his first wife, Olga (nee Kuzmiak), parents Ellis and Sylvia, brothers Dale, Glen, Lorne, Kenny (Sandra), sisters Shirley and Sandra and in-laws Stu Granger, Don McTavish, and Karen Holmberg.

A funeral service to celebrate Art’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Memories Chapel, located at 330-18th St. N, Brandon, MB, with Major James Rands officiating. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at Memories Chapel. Interment will take place at the Ninette Cemetery at approximately 3:45 pm.

For those who wish to honor Art’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 9 Princess Ave. E., Brandon, MB R7A 1R8, or to a charity of choice.

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