Michael Benson Holian, age 79 died surrounded by family on June 29, 2024, at Hospice of Southern Kentucky.
Michael grew up in Forest Park, Illinois and moved to Bowling Green to attend Western Kentucky University. Michael graduated with a BS and MA from Western. While at WKU, he was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha and served as vice president of the fraternity. He met the love of his life, Linda Huenefeld at WKU and were married for over 55 years.
Michael began his teaching career with Warren County Public Schools in 1968. He retired from Greenwood High School as Dean of Students in 2000. Michael was active with Kentucky Education Association during his tenure as a teacher and served as President of the Third District Education Association. He played an important role in working with other district presidents in securing health insurance for the educators in the Commonwealth of Kentucky while Julian Carroll was governor.
Michael worked at Barren River Mental Health for seven years. He was responsible for providing services for people with developmental disabilities. Michael returned to Warren County Schools after his tenure at Barren River Mental Health.
Michael was an active member of Gideons International and became a Gideon speaker where he enjoyed traveling and sharing God’s word. He then accepted the call to ministry in 1999 to serve as pastor at Rochester United Methodist Church in Butler County. He also served Twin Chapels circuit in Logan County, Greenhill United Methodist Church and Christ United Methodist Church. Michael served as a volunteer chaplain for the Bowling Green Police Department for 20 years. Michael and Linda joined First Christian Church in 2019 where he served as Deacon and Elder. He was a faithful volunteer at the Community Grocery and helped establish the Circle of Prayer Men’s group.
Michael was born on December 29, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Betty Holian. Michael was a loving husband, father and Pop.
He is survived by his wife Linda, of Bowling Green, his brother David (Sally) Holian of Forest Park, IL, daughters Laura (Scott) Dillard of Birmingham, AL, Sarah Cherry of Lexington, KY and Elizabeth (Will) Heller of Bowling Green. His grandchildren Thomas (Katie) Dillard of Dallas, TX, Jackson Dillard of Birmingham, AL, Meredith Cherry of Bowling Green, Katherine Cherry of Lexington, KY and Henry and Holly Heller of Bowling Green. He will be missed by his companion cat, Anni.
A celebration of life will be held at First Christian Church of Bowling Green on July 5th at 11:30 with visitation beginning at 9:30. His remains will be interred at the Columbarium at Western Kentucky University.
Donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky or First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
