William Holstrom, who was lovingly known as Bill, Billy, Dad, Pops, Uncle, Papa Bus and Grandpa, died in his sleep on February 21, 2012.  A longtime Claremont resident, Mr. Holstrom and his wife, Janet, resided in Corona and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Born in Pomona on March 4, 1940, Mr. Holstrom was the youngest of 4 children born to Paul and Marie Holstrom of Pomona. After graduating from Pomona High School and attending Mt. San Antonio College, he joined the Air National Guard Reserves. Mr. Holstrom was also a proud member of the Pomona Valley Jaycees organization.

An extensive career in food sales began with Nestle Foods, with which Mr. Holstrom traveled the country promoting and selling their products to food service establishments. Later, he moved to Wilsey Foods from where he retired, ending a nearly 40-year career. 

Mr. Holstrom raised his 2 sons, Brad and Paul, in Claremont, becoming a proud Claremont High School football booster and an avid Wolfpack fan as he supported the boys throughout their football careers at CHS.

For 40 years, Mr. Holstrom, along with his 2 older brothers, worked the Pomona Fairplex parking lot during the LA County Fair.  Mr. Holstrom gradually moved into the supervisory role and always relished his summers at the fair. 

Mr. Holstrom loved to sing and play the bongo drums with his dear friends in their musical group, Love Alive. They had tremendous fun performing all throughout southern California.

His greatest joys in life were traveling in his motor home with his wife and coveting the role of grandpa, or “Papa Bus”(the kids’ nickname for the big motor home).  His love for his family, and the youthful, upbeat energy of his grandchildren helped Mr. Holstrom battle medical setbacks in recent years. With their support, his spirit and love for life never faltered.

Mr. Holstrom is survived by his wife, Janet Holstrom; his sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Susan Holstrom and Paul and Jennifer Holstrom; his stepsons and their wives, Troy and Kim Runnells, Brian Runnells, Travis and Symphony Runnells and Jeremy and DeeAnn Runnells; his 13 grandchildren, Taylor, Tamara, Emily, Kareen, TJ and Brett Holstrom, and Cooper, Chase, Ellie, Tate, Reagan, Hayden and Allie Runnells; and his siblings, John and Donald Holstrom and Georgine Marshall.

A viewing was held at Todd Memorial Chapel in Pomona on February 28, 2012.  Funeral services and a celebration of life were held on February 29, 2012.  Mr. Holstrom’s family would like to extend a gracious thank you to all of those who showed their love and support during this difficult time. 

“Bill was a patient, kind and loving family man who will be dearly missed,” the family expressed.