Fredric Gary Holmberg

Fredric Gary Holmberg, has passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 7, 2026. He was the son of Manfred Tolstoi Holmberg and Harriett Mable Howard Holmberg. He was born in Waukesha WI Oct. 29, 1949.

He struggled with school as a little boy and was referred to special ed for a time. He later rejoined his peers in upper grades.

Just 2 years old, his brother and sister took him on a cool fall morning to go look around the college. They ended up on the balcony from which he fell 20 feet to the floor below. His sister ran for help, his brother stayed with him while an ambulance was summoned. He survived it fine and made the Waukesha freeman front page with the headline, "hard as a rock".

Fred grew tall and strong, worked out as a young man on bar bells he brought home and used them the rest of his life while able. Fred worked numerous labor jobs. The last was at a foundry where he polished marble sink tops.

It was discovered he had developed heart disease and had to return to social security for the rest of his life. He traveled west to see his sister and family several times. Rode his bike for miles just to get out. He had his older brother's car for a while but after an accident he decided he would never drive a car again. It was always a bike after that. He was well known around town.

Fred never married. He worked hard. Kept his own apartment rental and did the best he knew how for himself. He would call his sister long distance just to chat In the last few years, Fred lost his health and independence.

Eventually he nearly died one night and was on death watch. But the hospital pulled him through. He lived another two years at Watertown Health Care Center where he had excellent care by the staff. As he had no family nearby, the nurses looked out for him with extra care. He kept in touch with his sister who managed his care from afar.

Fred was predeceased by brothers John, David and Richard, as well as his parents Manfred and Harriett Howard Holmberg. He is survived by his sister, Karen, her family in California of nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank all the staff at Watertown Health Care Center for all their wonderful care for Fred.

There will be a short burial service where Fred will be laid to rest next to his father. Fred's burial will be at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30 as officiated by Pastor Zadda of First Baptist Church in Waukesha. Attendees are asked to meet at the circle drive before 11:15 a.m.