Charles Lee Holmes, 81, of Blooming Prairie, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born October 24, 1930 in Leavenworth County, Kansas the son of Charles 'Smokey' and Leah (Bailey) Holmes. He attended school in Piper and Turner, Kansas. The family moved to the Blooming Prairie area in 1948. He married Carol Dennis on December 30, 1951 at the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. They lived and farmed in Newry Township. Chuck along with his father did dragline and machine work for several years. Chuck loved to work and help anyone he could. He enjoyed collecting iron, tractors, and tools. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Blooming Prairie and served on the board of Prairie Manor. Chuck always had time for coffee and many memories were made around the kitchen table. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Carol Holmes of Blooming Prairie; children, Mark (and Diane) Lembke, Maureen (and Steve) Christopherson, Maurice (and Julie) Lembke, and Herman (and Connie) Lembke all of Blooming Prairie, Ruth (and Dan) Moore of Medford; 13 grandchildren, Sheila (and Gary) Wiese, Lonnie (and Mandy) Lembke, Jeff (and Carrie) Anderson, Craig (and Gail) Anderson, Becky (and Zack) Peterson, Todd Anderson, Travis (and Tena) Moore, Chris (and Kris) Moore, Lori Wacek, Lance (and Jennifer) Lembke, Lonna (and Dean) Broitzman, Heath (and Kelsey) Lembke, Jacob (and Calista) Lembke; 22 great grandchildren; several foster children; two brothers, Lawrence (and Christa) Holmes of Warrenton, MO, and Jimmy Holmes of Webster City, IA; two sisters, Betty Kruckeberg of Stewartville, and Linda (and Jerome) Jakobsen of Blooming Prairie; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, brother, Ronnie Holmes, sister, Rosemary Timm, and daughter, Mary Lembke Kingsland. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church, Blooming Prairie on Monday, March 12, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church with The Reverend Matthew Fennell officiating. Interment will be in the Blooming Prairie Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to First Baptist Church Camp Scholarship Fund or Blooming Prairie Fire Department. Those with mobility needs may use the handicap entrance on the north side of the church. Michaelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Visitation: 03/12/2012 16:00 03/12/2012 19:00 Service: Blooming Prairie and one hour prior to the service 03/13/2012 11:00