Loretta M. Lundholm, 89, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire with family at her side. She was born in Eau Claire on August 29, 1927, to the late Charlie and Ellen (Carlson) Osberg and grew up on the family farm near New Auburn, Wisconsin. Loretta graduated from Chetek High School in 1945 and attended vocational school in Eau Claire. On June 29, 1947, she married Douglas "Doug" Lundholm. Following a honeymoon trip to Canada, the two made their home in Eau Claire where they raised their five children and remained until the early 1980s, at which time they moved to a home on Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls before returning to Eau Claire in 2004. Loretta was a full-time homemaker until the mid-1960s when she began working outside the home, first in the bookkeeping department at J.C. Penney and then at Higgins Travel Service. In approximately 1974, Loretta and Doug partnered with Elroy (Elk) and Agnes Strand to form Eau Claire Travel World. Loretta managed the daily operations of the travel agency along with her dedicated staff until her retirement in the late 80s, when the business was sold to new owners. During her work in the travel business Loretta had the opportunity to see the world and loved traveling to new places, always ready to pack her bag and hop on an airplane. On many occasions she and Doug traveled together and hosted a number of charter trips to various destinations. Loretta's many interests included artwork and painting, and over the years she became quite accomplished at oil painting. She enjoyed playing golf and was on a league for many years. She also enjoyed playing bridge and had a close group of friends who met regularly for bridge and the game of Five Hundred. For years Loretta also was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, taking pride in completing the daily newspaper puzzle. Loretta loved her children and was a wonderful mother. Over the years there were many memorable outings and vacations as a family, of which she was most often the planner. After she and Doug moved full-time to Lake Wissota they spent most of their time there, although Loretta was still ready to travel at a moment's notice. At their lake home, Loretta particularly loved regular pontoon boat excursions around the lake and was happiest when family and friends could join them. What she missed most after moving back to Eau Claire were the lake views and pontoon rides. Loretta is survived by her children: Vicki Gillett (Jim Rennhack) of Presque Isle, Wisconsin; Jim (LouAnn) Lundholm of Fort Collins, Colorado; Susan Brown and Nancy Weber, both of Minneapolis, and Mary (Kevin) Dettmann of Eau Claire. Grandchildren: Nicholas Brown, Minneapolis; Emily Brown (Travis Baas), North Mankato, Minnesota; Nolan (Aiyana) Dettmann, LaCrosse; Travis (Alicia) Willer, Hampton, Virginia. Great grandchildren: Avery Baas, North Mankato; and Jerron Willer, Hampton, Virginia. Loretta is further survived by her beloved nieces: Ardith (Don) Kaiser, Washington; Bonnie (Dick) Bennett, Arizona; and Carol Baker, Illinois; five sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and other extended family. Loretta was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 69 years, Doug; her parents; sisters, Elsie and Marian; and brothers, Melvin and Roland (Bud). Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue, Eau Claire. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. (luncheon to follow) at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway Street, Eau Claire, with Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini officiating. A visitation will also be held prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of Dove Healthcare West and especially the staff of Dove's Nest, all of whom so lovingly cared for Loretta during the past three years.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 2196 100th Street Chetek WI 54728

Visitation

Wednesday, January 25 2017 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Thursday, January 26 2017 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

First Congregational United Church of Christ 310 Broadway Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Thursday, January 26 2017 11:30 AM

First Congregational United Church of Christ 310 Broadway Street Eau Claire WI 54703