C. Warren Holland

C. Warren Holland of Indianapolis died on November 23, 2020. Warren was a beloved husband, father, and friend.

Warren was born April 1, 1928 in Indianapolis to the late William and Frances Holland.

He would often describe warm memories of growing up in a loving home with his sister Dorothy and his brother Jack just a few houses down from Joan of Arc Church. Whether he was playing baseball on the school playground or attending Mass where his mother played the organ, the Church was a central part of his childhood.  He went on to Cathedral High School and the University of Notre Dame.  In college, he became interested in teachings on moral and legal philosophy which would play a large role in his decision to become a lawyer dedicated to advocating for others in need.  Upon his graduation from Notre Dame Law School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. Much of his service involved defending the rights of fellow service men before military tribunals. When he returned home, he and his future wife, Helen Curry, started dating.  He would often say that he had his eye on her since their days at Joan of Arc where she would play the piano at school assemblies. They were married on August 25, 1956.

Warren and Helen raised their four children in Saint Lawrence parish. Following the example set by their own parents, they were determined to make sure that faith would be the central part of their family’s life. They would attend Mass as a family. Warren had quite a good voice and loved singing hymns. One of his favorite jokes involved those occasions when he was asked to bring around the collection basket. Invariably, when he got to his family’s pew, he would pause and shake the basket in front of his children as if to say “Come on, hand it over.”  As their children moved on to high school and college, Warren and Helen remained active in the parish. They helped establish the Saint Lawrence Blessed Sacrament Chapel where they spent countless hours in prayer.

Warren dedicated his professional life to representation of the injured and the grieving. As a trial lawyer, he used his God given gifts of compassion, intellect, and an incredible work ethic to seek justice and compensation for his clients. His clients would often remark that Warren treated them like they were family. He enjoyed practicing law and appreciated the many good friends he made during his career. He was blessed to be able to work until age 89.

Warren and Helen enjoyed nothing more than watching their children’s and grandchildren’s games and competitions. Warren was even known to show up at practices on occasion.  The kids and grandkids have played at all levels from CYO to the NFL and their accomplishments have been an ongoing source of joy. In the many cards and letters he would send to his family, he would sign off “A.I.O.H” which stood for Always in Our Hearts.

Warren’s passing to the next life reminds his family of the words of scripture “He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” Warren’s faith infused his daily life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Helen Holland; their children Mike Holland (Dolores), Ceil Hanley (Mike), Dan Holland, Gretchen Etling  (Joe); grandchildren, Dolores Murphy (John), Joseph Holland (Danielle), Marianne Caltrider  (Steven), Shane Hanley, Shea Hanley, Kit Hanley, Grace Hanley, Joey Etling ( Allison) Mary Kate Etling, Danny Etling, Meaghan Etling, Gretchen Anne Etling; great grandchildren, JJ Murphy, Lola Murphy, Holland Caltrider, and Taylor Etling.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Holland, his sister Dorothy Ostheimer, his brother, Jack Holland, and his grandson Ryan Hanley.

The family is holding private services. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, 4650 N. Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46226.