Dennis "Denny" Wayne Holmgren

Dennis “Denny” Wayne Holmgen, 79, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Avon, IN. He was born July 2, 1943 in LaCrosse, IN to Arthur and Ocie Ester Holmgren (Clark). He was the youngest of three sons and a daughter: John, Ray, Faye.

Denny was born and raised on his parents’ family farm in LaCrosse, IN; he attended LaCrosse High School, graduating “class clown”. Denny furthered his education at Purdue University School of Engineering, graduating in 1965. While his life and career led him to other adventures, he was always a farm boy at heart.

Denny married Janice Carolyn Claudy on June 12, 1965 at LaCrosse Methodist Church. Together they had two daughters, April Burke (1967) and Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Holmgren (1970). They moved to Terre Haute, IN in 1969 before settling in Indianapolis in 1990. In 2022, Denny and Janice celebrated 57 years of marriage; a marriage filled with love, devotion and compassion.

He served as an agricultural and mechanical engineer for almost 40 years, including work at J.I. Case in Iowa and Terre Haute, IN and at Rolls-Royce and Allison Gas Turbine in Indianapolis. His curious mind and determined spirit blessed him with a fulfilling career and also labeled him the “handyman” of his household, most times with Duct Tape.

Denny was an avid Purdue University and Indianapolis Colts fan and traveled all over the country to support his teams. He spent many weekends tailgating in all weathers; his specialty dish was “Uncle Denny’s Hot Wings”. He was a talented gardener, spending many summers growing everything from tomatoes and peppers to corn and green beans. “Grandpa’s canned green beans” became famous and cherished within the family and close friends. He enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting competitions and dance & musical arts performances. His friends and family will remember his quirky and sly sense of humor that would make a whole room fill with laughter.

Denny and Janice were very active in their local churches and dedicated to serving the community through various volunteer opportunities and donation drives. He was a member of Breden Memorial United Methodist Church in Terre Haute. Later in life, he became a beloved member of the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.

Denny is preceded in death by his loving wife, Janice (August 14, 2022); his parents, Arthur and Ocie Holmgren; brother, John Holmgren; sister, Faye Meier; and in-laws Ralph Wilson and Mary Caroline Claudy.

He is survived by his two daughters April (James) Burke and Jackie Holmgren (Dan Zielinski) along with his six grandchildren and two great-grandsons: Elizabeth ‘Betsey’ (Tyler) McCamish (great-grandsons, Rory and Wells), Vanessa Smith, Joshua Smith, Sean Smith, Arianna Holmgren Zielinski, and Cosette Holmgren Zielinski. Denny is also survived by his brother, Ray Homgren (Penny), his sister-in-laws Judy Holmgren, Rebecca Roberson (Randall), Sheila Tilton, his brother-in-law Jack Meier; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Denny was very proud of all his family members and leaves a legacy of love.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11 AM at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Home (2950 N High School Rd, Speedway, IN 46224) with visitation one hour prior to service. Denny will be laid to rest alongside Janice at West Ridge Park Cemetery at 9295 West 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46234. His service is being held exactly seven months after his wife’s funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Speedway.

“But those who wait for the Lord, shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

– Isaiah 40:31