Louise Kathern (Sonnenfeld) Holeman, 89, of Westerville, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025. Her long life was marked by an abiding trust in God, quiet strength, and a resilience that touched all who knew her.

Born on November 3, 1936, to Peter and Martha Sonnenfeld of St. Paul, Nebraska, Louise grew up as one of five children alongside her siblings Eugene Sonnenfeld, Richard Sonnenfeld, Antionette Stittle, and Ed Sonnenfeld. It was during her formative years in Nebraska that she met her high-school sweetheart, Eugene Ivan Holeman, beginning a love story that would span decades and shape the foundation of a family.

When Eugene enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in California, Louise's devotion led her westward to be with him. The young couple married on April 15, 1956, in Laguna Beach, California, exchanging vows that would carry them through a lifetime together. Their first child was born in California during Eugene's service, but the call of home and the Nebraska prairie proved strong. Shortly after, the family returned to Nebraska, where Louise and Eugene would build their life together.

In the Westerville area, Louise and Eugene devoted themselves to farming and ranching while raising their seven children. Through the demanding seasons of agricultural life and a lot of early mornings, the unpredictable weather, the hard work that never truly ended. Louise remained a steady presence, nurturing her growing family with steadfast determination. Her faith served as an anchor throughout these years, and she was a longtime member of both Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and Catholic Daughters of America, where her spiritual life flourished and her community connections deepened.

Louise is survived by her children: Frances Peterson of Lexington; Liz (Trenton) Burns of Hazard; Michael (Roman) Holeman of Omaha; Deb Moody of Burwell; Pat (Laurie) Holeman of Westerville; Ivan (Eduardo) Holeman of Portland, Oregon; and Marti (Russell) Raad of Hazen, North Dakota. Her legacy extends through numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eugene, her grandson David Peterson, her son-in-law Jeff Moody, her parents Peter and Martha Sonnenfeld, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Throughout her 89 years, Louise Holeman lived a life of faithful service, unwavering love for her family, and steadfast commitment to her community. Her quiet strength will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her, and her legacy will continue in the hearts of the many lives she touched.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will follow in the Lee’s Park Cemetery near Arcadia, NE. Memorials are suggested to Custer Care Center, St Joseph’s Catholic Church or the Catholic Daughters of America. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9th, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM with time to greet the family at St. Joseph’s, a Vigil Service will be held at 6:00 PM at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com