ROBERSONVILLE, N.C. — Donn W. Holder, formerly of Black River Falls, died on May 30, 2013, in Robersonville, N.C., at the age of 86.
Donn was born in Shanghai, China, on Oct. 29, 1926, to D.W.A. “Newt” Holder and Grace Thomas Holder. He graduated from Black River Falls in 1944. During World War II he enlisted in the Navy and spent most of the next two years on the flagship for the 7th Amphibious Force in the Pacific Ocean.
He graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in geology. He worked in oil exploration, in uranium prospecting and in electronics and was part of a team that designed air born radar and did computer work on intercontinental missiles; he helped build nuclear electric plants and fossil fuel plants. These jobs had him traveling or living in most of the lower 49 states. After he retired, he moved back to Black River Falls and became involved in the Jackson County Historical Society and served on the city council. Donn loved singing, dancing and reading. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
His interment will be at a later date.
Donn is survived by his children Kay (Stephen) Dorrance, Donna (Phil) Waldhart and Debra (Larry) Sexe — daughters with Doris Holder. He also is survived by his grandchildren Elizabeth, Kari, Paul, Dawn (Carter) and Nathan; his brothers Richard (Joanne) Holder and Basil (Iris) Holder; a special cousin, John (Rosemary) Noble and a special friend, Violet Weinberg of Robersonville; along with other nieces, nephews and friends.
Published in the Jackson County Chronicle June 12, 2013