James R. "Ding" Holter

James R. "Ding" Holter , 65 of  Blackduck Lake near Orr, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Friday, July 7, 2017 at his residence.

He was born on December 27, 1951 in Cook the son of Henry and Mary (Hoblak) Holter. Ding was a lifelong resident of Cook, he attended the Cook School graduating from the class of 1970.  He was employed for 39 years with the St Louis County Public Works Department, retiring as foreman in 2014. Ding married Lisa Bamberg on August 23, 2014. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time at the lake with family and friends, and "puttering"- building his home on Blackduck Lake, which he loved. Ding enjoyed going on road trips and traveling with Lisa, and they had another road trip planned.   He was known for his great sense of humor and making everyone around him laugh and feel comfortable.  Ding, (with a chuckle) would say he always got smarter when he drank Schmidt beer.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Dennis and Marvin Holter; and his mother and father-in-law,  Jill and Dennis Duame.

He is survived by his wife Lisa;  2 daughters: Taryn (Sheldon) Sandberg of Cook and Tammi Holter of Denver, CO; step children: Amy (Dean) Boutto of Cook, Emalee (Jay Braith) Bamberg of New Brighton, Alex (Lacey) Bamberg of Bismarck, ND, and Adam Bamberg of Duluth; 3 brothers, Harry Holter, Lloyd (Judy) Holter, and Allen Holter  all of Cook;  4 sisters,  Irene Baumgartner of Cook, Ethel Barnes of Cook, Mary Ann (Bob) Race of Canada, and Nancy (James) Rinne of Angora;  3 grandchildren, Jaret (Destinie Villebrun) Sandberg, Jahna Sandberg,  and Kayla Boutto; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Thursday (July 13 ^th ) at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Liz Cheney will be the officiant. The casket bearers will be Sheldon Sandberg, Jaret Sandberg, Steve Koch, Jack Schelde, Mike Duame, Mark Duame, and Brian Duame.  A reception will follow the services in the church social hall.  The interment will follow at the Field Township Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. To sign the on line guest book or to leave a condolence for the family go to: www.mlakerfuneralhome.com