Holstein Jr., Benjamin Franklin

The Reverend Benjamin Franklin Holstein Jr., of Heron Way Farm in Riner, went to be with his Lord on Friday, May 20, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Benjamin was born in Huntington, W.Va., on March 20, 1925, to the late Benjamin Franklin Holstein Sr. and Minnie Mae Hundley Holstein. In addition to his parents, Benjamin was preceded in eternal rest by his brother, Calbert Holstein. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Goodwin Holstein; daughters, Sheridan Holstein, Kelly H. Rowe, and husband, Wayne, of New Bern, N.C., and Kristen Holstein, of the home; stepsons, Michael Gordon, Mark Gordon, and Milan Todd Gordon; stepdaughter, Linda McDaniel and her husband, Ted; sisters, Betty Jane Stambaugh, of Altoona, Pa., and Mary Ann Burchette and her husband, Sam, of Roanoke; brother, Thomas Holstein and his wife, Annie, of Lake Mary, Fla.; special niece, Karen Joyce and her husband, Kenny, of Idaho; and many other loving nieces, nephews, stepgrandchildren, and stepgreat-grandson. Benjamin was raised in Altoona, Pa., where following high school graduation he served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II Pacific Theatre. Upon returning from the war, he graduated from Morris Harvey College, Charleston, W.Va., receiving a B.S. in Business Administration. Following his work in business, he entered Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va., and was ordained a Methodist minister in the United Methodist Church, Virginia Conference in 1969. He served numerous churches while continuing his ministerial studies at Duke University Divinity School. In 1975, he became assistant administrator of the United Methodist Home, Roanoke, Va. He continued his service to the Lord while serving as Administrator of Meadowbrook Nursing Home and English Meadows Senior Living Community. He then became part-owner and President/CEO of Wheatland Retirement Communities until his retirement in 2008. Benjamin was proud of his work with the local Rotary Clubs in implementing the Winning Choices Character Education program for the children of Montgomery County Schools. Benjamin was a loving husband and father with unconditional devotion to his family and friends. He will remain in all our hearts forever through the lives of those he touched. There will be a celebration of Benjamin’s life at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Christiansburg at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. on Friday at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Special thanks to the Carilion Hospice Staff; especially, Sherry Reed, RN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Riner Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 868 or Riner Fire Department, 4171 Riner Road, Riner, VA 24149. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” St. John 5:24