William "Bill" Arnold Holdgrafer

December 08, 1945 – April 30, 2024.

Bill Holdgrafer 78, of Elkhart, Indiana passed away doing what he loved on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Bill is survived by his siblings Barbara Smith, Mary (Tom) Croyle, Frances "Buzz" (Jenny) Holdgrafer, Robert "Bob" Holdgrafer and Thomas (Rose) Holdgrafer; four nieces and a good number of great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence William and Irene Mary (Thielen) Holdgrafer; and a nephew Mack Studman.

Bill proudly served our country in the United States Air Force and Army.  He joined the Air Force at the age of 17 and served for 4 years. At the age of 23 he joined the Army so he could learn how to fly.  He heroically served 2 terms as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, as well as being a flight instructor. Flying was his passion and his jobs included crop dusting in Wyoming, hauling air cargo in Ohio and Indiana, and manning an air ambulance helicopter out of South Bend, Indiana.  He also continued flight instruction out of our local airports. Bill died doing what he loved and will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider a donation to Disabled American Veterans (help@dav.org) and/or Veterans Airlift Command (5775 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 700 St. Louis Park, MN  55416).

Family and friends may visit on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, located at 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana 46561. A funeral service shall begin at 2:00 PM with military honors to follow.