Ronald Urban Holmen

Ronald Urban Holmen...husband, father, grandfather, grandpaw, a man that believed he was a ladies' man, a comedian in his own way, "The man, The myth, The legend" fought his last battle on July 18, 2021 at the young age of 81 years, 6 months and 1 day. Ronald's story began on December 17, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the oldest child to Margaret Larson and Jack Johanson Holmen and big brother to his sisters, Gloria and Donna. He was the first generation American from Stockholm, Sweden. Ronald grew up in Chicago and, the age of 18, joined the Air Force to get away from the streets of Chicago. After six years of visiting the world and flying suicide missions in Vietnam, he went back home to Chicago. He eventually met his wife, Chris and would always joke that it "took 2 shots of tequila on the way to the altar" as he thought he was a confirmed bachelor. He began a career as a Mechanical Engineer working for Williamette Industries, (Western Kraft). This was the start of a 42 year career which transferred him and his family to Doylestown, Pennsylvania for six years and then to his final destination in Arlington, Texas. He enjoyed kickboxing, working out in the yard, eating cookies for breakfast, watching movies of his idol Clint Eastwood, TV shows “Married with Children” (he would sympathize with Al Bundy) and “Two and Half Men” and, of course, Charlie Sheen was his favorite. He loved all animals and talked about the time he owned and trained horses on the horse farm. He loved being a part of his grandchildren's lives by driving them to school and the kids voted him “best bus driver”. He was a homework helper, motivational speaker and advice giver. His favorite saying for his grandkids was "Say it, Spell it, Write it"! He believed if they could spell and read they would get far in life. Besides his grandchildren, he loved taking care of and playing with his grandpups at his house "doggie day care". Ron was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer on his 80th birthday and not once gave up hope. He fought hard and died on his own terms. He never once slowed down until the last few days of his life. He was a true Swede. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack (Johanson) Holmen and Margaret (Lawson) Holmen, and his sister, Gloria Kryzak. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Chris; children, Lisa Holmen-Ives and Amy Holmen; grandchildren John, Ella and Teagan; grandpups, Mooky and Abby; sister, Donna Bassett & her husband Brent Bassett. Dad was very thankful for the time on this Earth and all the family and friends he met along the way. He is also very thankful to Richard Estalella and Glenn Tong at Invictus Nutraceuticuls in Australia and Florida for their help and hope. In lieu of flowers, if you choose to make a donation in Ronald's memory, please consider Invictus Nutraceuticuls. It is important for anyone contemplating a donation to know that this is a Phase II clinical study and the investigational drug that they are testing may or may not efficacious for many years. Wade Family Funeral Home 817-274-9233