Submitted by: Dan Rich

Florence May Holderbaum

May 27, 1916 - Dec. 28, 2008

South Bend Tribune 12/28/2008

SOUTH BEND - Florence May Holderbaum, 92, of South Bend, formerly of North Liberty, IN, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2008, surrounded by her loving children at the Sanctuary of Holy Cross. Florence was born May 27, 1916, in North Liberty, IN, the daughter of Bert and Grace (Crowl) Six. She was a lifetime resident of North Liberty, IN, until her failing health required special care. She was a faithful woman dedicated to God, whom she would lovingly refer to as "The Man Upstairs." She was united in marriage to Everett Earl Holderbaum on November 24, 1938. He preceded her in death on February 22, 1955. Surviving Florence are her four loving and dedicated children, Larry Holderbaum of Walkerton, Alice (Joe) Hughes of Mishawaka, Dale (Mary) Holderbaum and Rickey (Lia) Holderbaum of West Linn, Oregon. A son, Paul E. Holderbaum, preceded her in death on November 15, 1966. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 21 great- grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Christian T. Holderbaum, on January 13, 2007. A sister, Juanita (Bob) Malkowski, North Liberty, IN, also survives. In addition two brothers, Russell (June) Six of Nevada and Charles "Gene" Six of Koontz Lake. She was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd, Glenn, Harold, John, Ralph, Vern and Rodger Six; and three sisters, Hazel Reed, Rhoene Shoemaker and Eva Kloth. Florence was a 1935 graduate of the former North Liberty High School. Her passion was cooking and was famous for "Angel Food Cakes" and "Dandelion Greens." She worked as cook at different restaurants, the first one being the former "Dudecks Restaurant" in North Liberty for several years. She also cooked at restaurants in New Carlisle and Lakeville, IN, before retiring. She spent her time faithfully keeping her daily journal, crocheting and reading the daily newspaper. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southerncare Hospice, 310 W. McKinley, Suite 340, Mishawaka, IN 46545.