Our beloved Father and Grandfather, Horace “Hoagy” Holmgren passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2022 at the age of 93. Horace was the oldest son of Gilbert and Blanch Holmgren and the brother of Ken Holmgren. He was born and raised in Vallejo, CA. until he entered the USCG Academy in 1946.
While at the Academy he was on the varsity team all 4 years for Basketball and Baseball, Captain of the Baseball team and MVP for the Basketball team his senior year.
He served 30 years as an officer of The United States Coast Guard commanding 5 USCG cutters throughout his career, reaching the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star as Captain of the Minnetonka in Vietnam along with other distinguished medals throughout his career.
He was married to his love, Joan Hitchcock for 62 years raising their two sons, John and Robert.
Hoagy’s career took him to New London, CT, Alameda CA, Wake Island, Long Beach CA, Monterey CA, Boston MA, Coos Bay OR, Washington DC, Long Beach, CA, Honolulu HI, and San Francisco CA.
In 1980 after 30 years with the Coast Guard, Hoagy retired, then taught at the Cal Maritime Academy and finally H&R Block.
Hoagy and Joan lived in Walnut Creek, CA area from 1980 to 2015. In August 2015, they moved to Ventura to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Hoagy loved his family and was always ready for a golf round or fishing with his boys.
He lost his love, Joan in 2015 and his youngest son, Robert in 2021.
Horace is survived by his son John, daughter-in-law Marcia, grandsons Erik & Andrew, Daughter-in-law Kathleen and grandchildren Allison, Thomas, and Sarah.
Horace and Joan’s remains will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Horace’s name to the USCG Alumni Association or your favorite Veterans support charity would be appreciated.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. Thinking of you, Love Ya!!!!
Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. Thinking of you, Love Ya!!!!
