Obituary of Robert Holmstrand

Robert E. Holmstrand ("Bob"), a first generation Swede, was born in San Rafael, CA. on August 29, 1923, to Victor and Karin Holmstrand who had immigrated from Sweden. Bob's adventures began at 17 when he joined the U.S. Navy immediately after graduating from high school. After 3 ½ years of service in Europe and the South Pacific during WWII, he worked for National Biscuit Company. Later he was self employed as a real estate agent, finally returning to the sea as a commercial fisherman in Florida and Alaska. In 1971, he married Ann Klinefelter/Smoot in Seward, Alaska. Together, they spent over 41 loving, happy, struggling and successful years fishing for shrimp with the O/S Southland and tendering salmon with the M/V Frigidland for Icicle Seafoods in Southeast and South Central Alaska. Retiring in 1987, Bob and Ann's adventures took them throughout the western states, eventually settling in San Carlos, Mexico, Hansville, Washington, and in 1999 Lake Havasu City, Arizona. There he took classes at the Mojave Community College, which led to visiting ancient Navajo villages, museums. He was active in the Lake Havasu City Rock and Gem Society and also was a life-long member of the Elks. He always, throughout his travels & adventures drew a crowd of friends with his smile and stories of his adventures. He had a great love of life, parties, family and friends. February 27, 2013, he passed from this life to the next. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and brother Eugene Holmstrand and many lifelong friends. He is survived by his wife Ann, his children Dave Johnson of Bainbridge Island, Washington, Connie Ketter of Randsburg, California, Russ Smoot of Spokane, Washington, and Chuck Swatex of Snellville, Georgia, and their families, which includes seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 2:00 P.M., at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, in Lake Havasu City with a following gathering at the Holmstrand home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Polidori House, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.