Gary Phillip Holm

Gary Phillip Holm of Winona, aged 68, succumbed to illness on September 21, 2015. Gary was born April 5, 1947 in Winona MN to Arba and Esther (Green) Holm. Gary attended the one room Saratoga school in Saratoga, MN and later transitioned to St. Charles, where he earned his diploma with the class of 1965, while spending his high school years living with his family in Georgia, Indiana and Kentucky.Joining the Air Force in 1966, Gary earned the rank of Staff Sargent while performing as a Physiological Training Specialist, responsible for flight personnel training. Gary received specialized medical training to accompany pilots in a high altitude pressure chamber, which tested the pilot's performance at high altitudes and under oxygen deprivation. Gary finished his Air Force career at Grissom AFB, formally Bunker Hill AFB, in Peru, Indiana in 1970.Upon leaving the military, Gary returned home and worked at Camera Art, Lewiston, MN, where he directed the activities of the photo finishing and air brushing departments. Two years later, Gary took a sales position with Culligan of St. Charles, which led to his becoming a franchise owner of RainSoft Water Treatment and an independent owner of Refined Water Technology Services (RWTS) in Winona. Gary developed a love of antiques and collectables and ran a second business as an antique dealer. He featured his antiques in the establishments of R.D. Cone in Winona, Hixton Antique Mall, Hixton WI, and the Antique Center of LaCrosse, LaCrosse, WI.Gary married and divorced twice; to Vivian Hopper Culp in 1971 and Juliann Thompson in 1984.Gary loved the Minnesota Twins, horseback riding, golf, fishing and reading. He was always ready for a game of "500" or Cribbage.Gary is survived by his siblings; Roland (Edith) Holm, of St. Charles, Kathleen Walters, of Plainview and Steven (DeAnne) Holm of St. Charles. Gary is preceded in death by his parents; brother; Keith and brother-in-law; Gerald Walters.There will be a graveside memorial service, with military honors, at the Saratoga Township Cemetery on November 21 at 3 PM. Family and friends are invited to attend.