Holden, Arlyn G.

Arlyn G. Holden, 73, formerly of Tipton and Williamsburg, and currently of Des Moines, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines following a battle with stomach cancer. A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at Iles Funeral Home-Dunn's Chapel in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday at the chapel. A memorial service will also be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Williamsburg. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg.

Arlyn Gene Holden was born April 5, 1939, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Palmer and Margaret (Mumm) Holden. He graduated from the Tipton High School and attended Iowa State University. On Aug. 3, 1958, he was united in marriage to Elaine Lamp at the Tipton United Methodist Church. He began working at Corn States Hybrid Service in 1965 and was with the company for 38 years, retiring in December 2003. Arlyn's passion was working with seed corn, and he met many lifelong friends through this work. He was a member of the Tipton United Methodist Church and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking, wintering in Arizona and taking care of his lawn and yard. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Brian.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine of Des Moines; one son, Bruce and wife Patty Holden of West Des Moines; one grandson, Brian Holden; six siblings and their spouses, Janeth Peterseim of Kalona, Beverly Skinner of Charlotte, N.C., Marcy (Dave) Keppy of Sun City West, Ariz., Myron (Jan) Holden of Tipton, Linda (John) Miller of Tipton and Stan Holden of Dallas, Texas; a brother-in-law, Lee Kellerhals of Marion; and father- and mother-in-law, John and Mabel Lamp of Tipton.

Preceding Arlyn in death were his parents; one son, Bart Holden; one sister, Jerilea Kellerhals; and two infant brothers.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, the Holden Cancer Center, Iowa City, and Hospice of Iowa for their professional care and kindness shown to Arlyn and the family.

A memorial fund has been established for the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, and Bloomfield Methodist Church, 5930 Indianola Ave., Des Moines.

The Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona is handling arrangements. Condolences can be made at peterseimfuneralhome.com

Published Oct. 14 and 15, 2012 in The Gazette