Dr. Paul A. Holdener, 92, of Belleville, IL, born March 1934, in Belleville, IL, died Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Dammert Care Center at the Shrine, Belleville, IL.
Dr. Holdener dedicated more than 30 years of his life to the medical profession as an accomplished and respected radiologist at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, IL, and Red Bud Regional Hospital. He proudly served his country as a physician in the United States Navy, carrying his commitment to caring for others throughout his life and career. He was a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. Outside of medicine, he found great joy in golfing, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and gardening. He had a generous heart and a strong sense of community, volunteering his time with St. Vincent de Paul. Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to those fortunate enough to have known him will be remembered and cherished.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Veronica Holdener; three sisters, Laura (Norman) Ring, Marie (Chuck) Oelrich, and Bernice (Omer) Goodwin; a son-in-law, Michael Engeset; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nicholas and Loretta Metzger; and a brother-in-law, William Dick.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Loretta T. Holdener, nee Metzger, whom he married on December 27, 1958; a daughter, Mary (Larry) Magness; four sons, Gregory (Cara) Holdener, Raymond (Nicole) Holdener, Eric (Judy) Holdener, and Douglas (Amy) Holdener; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margie Dick and Doris (Leonard) Black; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the St. Elizabeth Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Villas of Holly Brook Assisted Living & Memory Care, Belleville, IL and the Dammert Care Center at the Shrine for all their wonderful care and support of Paul.
Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, November 27, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Clyde Grogan officiating, and military honors to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Clair Country Club from 10 am to 12 noon on Friday, November 27, 2026.
Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL, at a later date.
