Jeff Holm

Martin Jeffrey Holm, commonly known as Jeff, passed away at his home in Sigourney, surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Jeff was born on December 14, 1958 to Larry J. and Carole Leigh (Leanhart) Holm, in Fort Madison, Iowa. He was welcomed home by his big sister Leigh Ann. Before his first birthday, the Holm family moved to Sigourney where Larry established the Holm Funeral Home in 1959. Growing up Jeff was very involved with helping his dad at the funeral home, mowing yards around town, and shoveling snow for his neighbors. He loved spending time with his cousins and grandparents. He spent many days at the Keokuk County Home helping his Grandpa Martin and Grandma Mina Holm care for residents and learning many life lessons. 

In school Jeff was hard working and involved in athletics. He was a proud member of the class of 1977, the largest class to ever graduate from Sigourney High School. After graduation, Jeff attended the University of Iowa, obtaining his degree in 1981. He then went on to pursue his passion for helping people by attending the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. He graduated in 1982, in Dallas, Texas. From there he did a year-long internship at Murdoch Funeral Homes, in Marion, Iowa. Jeff returned to Sigourney, and helped his parents at the funeral home in 1983. His commitment to excellence and compassion led him to owning and operating the Holm Funeral Home in 1998, where he provided comfort and support to countless families over the years until his death. He was extremely proud to be a family owned business that served others during their most challenging times. The Holm Funeral Home tradition of “Our Family Serving Your Family” is proudly carried on by his daughter Carolyn Holm. Making the Holm Funeral Home a 3rd generation family business. 

While in Marion, Jeff met his future bride, Shirley. On August 11, 1984 they were united in marriage at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. From then on, Jeff lovingly referred to Shirley as “My Lovely Bride.” Together they welcomed their favorite oldest daughter, Meredith Ann, in 1988. Later being joined by their favorite youngest daughter, Carolyn Leigh, in 1991. Jeff was an amazing girl dad. He loved coaching his daughters in sports, watching fashion shows after shopping adventures, ooo-ing and ahh-ing over their made up dance routines and sometimes joining in, and encouraging them to work hard towards all of their dreams. One of his favorite spots to make memories with Meredith and Carolyn was when they would go to the timber together to mushroom hunt. Jeff was committed to his family to the fullest and his tried best to always be at all of their events and activities, even if he was in a suit coming straight from the funeral home. In 2019, Jeff was blessed with his grandchild, Vivian. He loved continuing all of the traditions with her that he had started with his daughters. 

Outside of his professional accompaniments, Jeff was a man who had many interests. He enjoyed playing cards with “The Guys” and the members of The Lodge. In the spring you could always find him with a bag of mushrooms from the timber and planting his garden, where he would spend many hours each summer. He was a self proclaimed arborist and loved looking at trees and sharing his knowledge on the subject, with anyone that would listen. Jeff was also an accomplished whistler and was known around town for whistling and singing songs when he was out and about. He was known to share his favorite tv show every Saturday night, Lawrence Welk.  In the fall, you could find him cheering on the Sigourney Savages and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He will be missed singing the Iowa Fight Song after each touchdown and giving high fives. His playful spirit and sense of humor brightened the lives of all who knew him.

Jeff served his community in many ways. He was a proud Grand Sir Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Windhorst Council #1457, in Harper. He served on the Keokuk County Hospice Foundation and the Keokuk County Historical Society amongst other community service based organizations through the years. He was a dedicated member of the Sigourney Lions Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Sigourney Golf Course, and Sigourney Pride. He recently celebrated being a member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association for 40 years.  Jeff’s selfless nature and unwavering dedication to community service left an incredible mark on those around him.

In mourning his loss, Jeff is survived by his lovely bride, of 39 years, Shirley, his daughters Meredith (Mark) Caster, Carolyn Holm, granddaughter Vivian Leigh Holm Eslick all of Sigourney, sister Leigh (John) Waechter of Cedar Rapids, mother-in-law Vernice Knudsen of Sigourney, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Larry and Carole Holm and father-in-law John Knudsen. 

As we reflect on the life of Jeff Holm, we are reminded of a man whose kindness knew no bounds and zest for life touched the hearts of all who crossed his path.  Jeff was a wonderful human being with an optimistic, cheerful, disposition, even under circumstances that many of us would find hard to bear.  His legacy will live on through the memories shared by those who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace knowing he made a profound impact on all who had the privilege of calling him friend.