Obituary: Emile Holeman

A graveside memorial service was held at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton, Ore., on Tuesday, June 16, with a live stream on the Pioneer Chapel website.

 

Emile was born on Nov. 19, 1930 in Pendleton, one of four children born to Isaac and Catherine Holeman. He was raised in Pendleton in the stone house still standing on Emigrant Avenue. Emile graduated from Pendleton High School in 1948, where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and track. He was chosen to play on the very first Oregon Shrine Football team.

 

After graduation, Emile attended the University of Oregon, where he played football for his beloved Ducks and pledged the Sigma Chi Fraternity. As an incoming freshman at that fraternity, he entertained nightly by singing before dinner with his life-long friend, Jim Calderwood.

 

After a career-ending football injury, Emile returned to Pendleton, and in April of 1951 married the love of his life, whom he first met at Hawthorne Elementary, Betty Lou Pollock. They were married for 60 years when Betty Lou passed away in April of 2011. Together they had five children, three girls and two boys. Their first daughter, Terrie Lynne Holeman, died at the age of 2 from leukemia.

 

Emile owned and operated a Texaco service station for 35 years in Pendleton. After closing the station and upon encouragement from his friend and campaign manager Mike Kilkenny Sr., he ran for Umatilla County Commissioner. He was elected in 1991 and served four terms (16 years), retiring at the age of 76. Emile was a good listener and was known for his honesty and integrity. He was a strong leader, a mentor to many, and was liked and respected by peers and staff. Emile leaves a legacy in Pendleton, and flags are flying at half mast in Umatilla County in his honor.

 

Emile loved his community and worked tirelessly to make Pendleton a better place. Activities and distinctions include Pendleton City Council, District 16R School Board, Happy Canyon Board of Directors, Western Heritage Board of Directors, State of Oregon PERS Board Member, First Citizen Award recipient and Pendleton Linebacker Hall of Fame Inductee.

 

Emile was preceded in death by his daughter Terrie; his beloved wife, Betty Lou; his brother, Gilbert; two sisters, Mary Louise and Suzette; and his parents. He is survived by daughters Marla Royal and husband Mark, and Amy Freeman and husband Dale, sons Mike Holeman and wife Stacey, Eric Holeman and wife Kathy, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice.