Donald Holding, 90, of  North Freedom, passed away on March 23, 2023.  Don was born on March 5, 1933 to Paul and Hazel (Smith) Holding in Green Bay, WI, at home. He attended grade school through the 4th grade in Green Bay. In 5th grade the family moved to Oneida where his father was the warden on the reformatory farm.  He often told stories of his days growing up with the young inmates and activities on the large farm.

After Don graduated from Seymour High School in 1951. he went on to study at UW Stevens Point. He was drafted and served for two years in the US Army at camp Polk, LA. He then returned and attended UW Platteville and UW Madison where he earned a degree in Horticulture.

Don's career included jobs at Royster Fertilizer, International Multifoods and the Vernon Company. He enjoyed traveling the state of Wisconsin calling on farmers and large animal veterinarians. He loved meeting new people, finding out where they're from and finding out if they had mutual friends or know the local vet.

He met and married Marilyn Wilson on October 3, 1957.  Mary was diagnosed with MS in 1973, and Don was her faithful caregiver until she passed in 2013. In spite of her physical limitations, they lived a life full of road trips, caring for their dogs, gambling and fun.

In 2013 Don relocated to North Freedom with daughter Susan and her husband Gary. He lived an independent life designing his garden, and golfing at the Reedsburg Country Club, and The Woods at the Wilderness almost daily. He was loved and well-cared for and as his health declined, and was able to live out his last days in his home thanks to Susan and Gary.

Don loved the Chicago Cubs, gardening, gambling, cards, and golf. In his last golf season at age 85 he hit a hole in one! He enjoyed his family and was proud of all their accomplishments.

He was a long-time member of Lakeview Moravian Church in Madison as well as a member of Doric Lodge. His honors included Past Master, and 32 degree Mason.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (Wilson); parents; sisters, Pauline, Donna (Neff), Patricia (Henschel), and brother Robert Holding.

Don is survived by daughters, Susan Holding (Gary Holmes) and Penny Aguilera (Randy); grandchildren, Noah and Carter Aguilera and Stephanie Osborne, great grandson, Aleks Osborne; numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 29th, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City, WI.

Special thanks to Agrace Hospice, especially Rae, Ashley, Brooke and Betty; Brightstar aides Katie and Shannon, and special helper, friend and Skip-Bo buddy Mary Schulte.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com