Harry Holmsten, Sr. "Swede" 80 of Akron, passed away at Berthoud Living Center on January 19, 2022.

Swede was born on October 24, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to Verna Pautsch and Harry Holmsten. He was an only child until his mom and stepfather, Bud Pautsch, adopted Susan Pautsch. They moved around much of his childhood due to his stepfather's job in road construction. At the age of 13, he was sent to live with his grandparents in California so that he could spend all four years in high school at the same school.

After graduating from Compton High School in 1959, he signed up for the Navy and spent four years protecting our country and serving in Vietnam.

In 1969, he married Barbara Mees in California where they had four children: Harry Holmsten, Jr., Becky Quiroz, Kathleen Newell and Andrew Holmsten. In 1985, they separated, and Swede moved back to Colorado to be near his mom. He worked as a plumber and TV repair man.

He loved being a Navy and Vietnam Veteran, fishing at the pond, and playing pool at the local bar. He was active in the VFW.  He loved the city of Akron and valued the people he met there.

He is survived by his four children, thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his sister.

A funeral service will be held on February 12,  2022, at 10 am at the Bowin Funeral Home and laid to rest at the Akron Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the local VFW.