Reginald Henry Holle

Pastor Reginald H. Holle, age 86, entered the Church Triumphant on April 5th in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection in Christ. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marla Christianson Holle, son, Todd (Jeannine) of New Era, daughter Joan Long (Dennis) of Waxhaw, NC, and sister, Bernadine Behring of Conroe, TX. Surviving are three grandsons Noah (Erin), Jacob (Amber), and John, and great-grandchildren, Hunter, Joanna, and Griffin. He was predeceased by his grandson, Andrew Long.

For 29 years, Pastor Holle served Lutheran parishes in Sandusky (OH), Detroit, and Cleveland. First elected in 1978, he served as a Bishop first of the Michigan District of The American Lutheran Church, then of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America until his retirement in 1995. He then devoted his energies and Christian commitment to planned giving and development for Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. Pastor Holle served on numerous college, seminary, and church related community boards (including the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan). He assumed leadership roles as a member of the Board of Trustees at both Capital and Wittenberg Universities.

During his call at Salem Memorial Lutheran Church, Pastor Holle was known for promoting interfaith collaboration to advance racial and economic justice in Detroit. Later, as a bishop, he devoted his life addressing congregational and synodical needs, promoting especially international partnerships and relief efforts.

A graduate of Texas Lutheran University, Capital University, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Ohio Consortium for Theological Education. His leadership was recognized with honorary doctorates from Capital and Wittenberg Universities. Both Trinity Seminary and Texas Lutheran University named him a distinguished alumnus.

Visitation will be at Faith Lutheran Church, Okemos on Friday, April 13th from 5-8pm. A Celebration of Life service will be at Faith Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 14th at 10am (additional visitation from 9-10am), Pastor Jim Wenger presiding and Bishop John Schleicher preaching.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Lutheran Social Services of Michigan Foundation, 8131 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit MI 48214 or Faith Lutheran Church Mission Endowment, 4515 Dobie Road, Okemos, MI 48864.