Bill F. "Grouch of Fruita" Holstein
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 3D - June 7, 2020
Bill F. Holstein
July 13, 1956 - June 1, 2020
Bill Holstein, the unofficial
and well-loved Grouch of
Fruita, transitioned to his next
act in a tragic and accidental
fall Monday afternoon at his
workplace. His sense of humor
was bawdy and legendary
around Fruita as was his spirited
and persistent support for his
beloved community. While lost
to us far too soon, Bill over
his life, volunteered for everyone and everything, complained
vigorously and lived with opinionated passion for his loved ones.
Bill was a respected photographer of great talent whose “Little
Red Rocker” show gained him recognition around the state
including Best of Show in the Mesa and Colorado State Fairs. His
enjoyment for the arts and with nagging from his wife, Donna, Bill
got involved with the Fruita Art and Culture Board and brought
great energy and vision to the group. Bill was instrumental in
starting the Art Stroll for which he raised thousands of dollars over
the years. For several years Bill chaired the group (he loved his
board!) which has helped energize Fruita.
Seven years ago Bill stepped up to buy and begin remodeling one
of the oldest buildings in Fruita, the 1902 Doc Masser home on
Aspen Street. His wife often referred to it as “his mistress” because
of the amount of time, money, and passion he poured into it. The
unfinished “White House” remains a work in progress much to
Donna’s annoyance but it will serve as a monument to Bill when it
is someday completed.
Bill grew up in Widefield went into the Navy after high school
where he served as a Seabee on the USS Roosevelt and USS Prairie
sailing the world. After the Navy he went to Fort Lewis College for
a year then transferred to Adams State where he earned his B.A.
in History. His love of history remained a passion his whole life.
Before moving to Durango, he happened to meet Donna Stratton in
Colorado Springs. This began a 38-year journey for the two of them
that included marriage, moves and a vast variety of adventures that
they lovingly shared together. Bill and Donna loved needling each
other to no end which often led to the winner picking up the bill.
For many years Bill drove the backroads of Colorado selling
yearbooks to schools in Western Colorado and parts of Wyoming, a
job he loved. He cherished the relationships he built with his school
advisers and yearbook staffs and kept up communications with
many of them long after he left the business. The last few years, he
worked at Bookcliff Gardens and loved working with the staff and
clientele there.
Bill has a birthday coming up and would have celebrated it in
genuine Holstein fashion: hotdogs from Weinerschnitzel, chilicheese fries, and a cold beer at Copper Club. Ironically, the
Covid pandemic had given Bill and Donna some precious time
together recently which Donna so much appreciates now. A private
celebration of life will be held when the situation allows.
Contributions, in Bill’s honor, may be made to the Fruita Arts and
Culture Board.
Obits
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Bobby Lee Argo
October 16, 1938 - April 17, 2020
Bobby Lee Argo “Bob”,
age 81, died April 17, 2020,
following a long illness.
Born October 26, 1938 in
Noble, Oklahoma, he was the
son of C. C. and Willie Mae
Argo. Bob graduated from
Norman, Oklahoma High
School and attended Oklahoma
University.
He retired as Assistant Vice
President from Sunwest Bank in Gallup, NM, after 27 years of
service.
Bob was a member of New Covenant Baptist Church where he
served as Deacon. He was a member of Kiwanis International.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, hiking, camping,
reading, metal detecting, playing guitar and singing. He especially
enjoyed singing in church.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Todd and Trent,
and great-grandson, Maverick.
He is survived by his wife of 62 and one half years, Voncille;
son, Brett (Mary) Argo; daughter, Devin Stotler; daughters-in-law,
Natalia Argo Betenbough and Sandra Lima Argo; brother, Ron
Argo (Liz); sister, Dixie Graham; 11 grandchildren, and 11 greatgrandchildren.
Services will be June 12, 10:30 a.m., at New Covenant Baptist
Church, 3196 F Road.
Contributions, in Bob’s name, may be made to HopeWest Hospice,
3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506.
Dennis Jam
