In Memory of Gladys Koski Holmes
Gladys Koski Holmes, 73, a native of Minnesota’s Iron Range, both an artist and a writer, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 at her home in Angora after a short encounter with cancer. Although she did not earn her MA in art until 1988, she was painting and drawing most of her adult life. “My work has always been drawn out of my roots, out of my culture, out of my time,” Holmes said. Her work has been described as being imbued with symbolism and meaning. Gladys was also a writer, contributing to New World Finn. She lived with her husband on the family farm in Angora, Minnesota, where they raised their five children.
Gladys was born on March 17, 1932 to Simon and Ida (Ketola) Koski in Sturgeon Township. She graduated from Alango High School in 1950. On Dec. 2, 1950 she was united in marriage to Earl Arden Holmes in Alango and settled in Angora where she resided most of her life. She returned to college in 1973 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bemidji State University and a Master of Art degree from the University of Wisconsin Superior. She was an accomplished artist and writer with exhibits displayed around the region. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include husband, Arden of 55 years; three sons, Michael (Sheri) Holmes of Angora, Jonathan (Stacey) Holmes of Angora, Christopher (Joyce) Holmes of Angora; two daughters, Sharon Holmes of Lake Vermilion Rachel Holmes of Hopkins; eight grandchildren, Jason, Jenny, Matt, Nate, Ben, Sam, Seth, and Simon Sister: Henrietta Koski of Angora; and many other friends and relatives. Her memory will live on through her family, friends and many works of art.
