HOLMSTRAND, Robert (Bob)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Haasu City, AZ - Posted: Wednesday, March 6, 2013 >> Robert Holmstrand << >> Aug. 29, 1923 — Feb. 27, 2013 << Robert “Bob” Holmstrand, a first generation Swede, was born in San Rafael, Calif., Aug. 29, 1923 to Victor and Karin Holmstrand, who emigrated from Sweden. Bob joined the U.S. Navy after high school graduation and spent 3 1/2 years in Europe and the South Pacific during WWII. Later he worked for Nabisco, then became self employed in real estate. He also was a commercial fisherman. In 1971 he married Ann Klinefelter/Smoot. Together they spent 41 loving, happy, struggling and successful years owning/tendering the M/V Frigidland in the Alaska fishing industry. Retiring in 1987 they traveled by motorhome; lived in San Carlos, Mexico, Hansville, Washington and in 1999 they finally settled in Lake Havasu City. Bob took MCC classes with opportunities to visit ancient Navajo villages and museums. He belonged to the Lake Havasu City Elks and the Lake Havasu City Rock and Gem Society. Bob always delighted friends with his smile and stories of his adventures. He had a great love for life, parties, family and friends. Feb. 27, Bob passed from this life to the next. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene Holmstrand. He is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Dave Johnson, of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Connie Ketter, of Randsburg, Calif., Russ Smoot, of Spokane, Wash. and Chuck Swatex, of Snellville, Ga.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Service is Friday, March 8, at 2 p.m. at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, afterward gathering at the Holmstrand home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Polidori Hours, Lake Havasu City. 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.