Raymond A. Holtgrave, 78, of Breese, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. He was born August 25, 1931 in Breese son of Alvin A. and Lenore (Bingham) Holtgrave. He married Shirley Rutz on September 5, 1959 in Carlyle and she preceded him in death on March 18, 1977. He married Angela (Colao) Sullivan on January 27, 1978 at St. Dominic Church in Breese and she survives in Breese.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a son, Roger D. Holtgrave of Trenton, a daughter, Jackie (Kevin) Luebbers of Carlyle, a step son, S. L. Sullivan of Columbia, MO and a step daughter Cissy (fiancé Tom Conway) Sullivan of Margeno; four grandchildren, Tammy Holtgrave, Tracey (Kenny) Strotheide, Tiffany Holtgrave, and Ashley Luebbers; a step grandson, Chad J. (Holli) Sullivan; and three step great grandchildren, Dalton Sullivan, Savannah Sullivan and Sawyer Sullivan; four sisters, Martha Wobbe, Mary M. "McGee" Farrell both of Breese, Rita Christinsin and Elizabeth "Bess" Brauch both of Kansas City, MO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sally and Louis Pitrelli , Sandra and Stan Platek all of The Villages, FL, Jackie and Bob Perno and Bud Dimeo all of Ellwood City, PA. He is also survived by an uncle, Lloyd Bingham of Terre Haute, IN and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife; two sisters, Carolyn Fredenberg and Ruth Donnewald; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Peter Fredenberg, Freemont "Slugger" Wobbe, Jerry Farrell, Alan Christinsin, Larry Brauch, James H. Donnewald, Vic and Gloria Colao, Joyce Dimeo; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Angelo and Rose Court.

Mr. Holtgrave owned and operated Holtgrave Equipment and was an International Harvester Dealer until 1980. He was the owner/operator of R & A Ace hardware from 1981 until August 6, 2004. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, a member of St. Dominic Parish in Breese where he was an usher, a charter member of The Breese American Legion Post 252, and a member of the Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869. He was a licensed private pilot and he enjoyed his grandchildren, great grandchildren, woodworking, painting and his dogs.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Rev. Patrick Peter officiating. Burial will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2009 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese. The Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary at 7 p.m. and the American Legion will visit the funeral home at 7:30 on Friday.

Memorials may be made to Mater Dei High School, Breese Emergency Services (Police, Fire & Ambulance) or to St. Dominic Parish and will be received at the funeral home.