Russell Jay Holmstrom

Russell Jay Holmstrom, born on August 24, 1955, in Taylor, TX, resident of Groesbeck/Lake Limestone, TX, and formerly of Hutto, TX, peacefully departed from this world on September 10, 2025, at the age of 70.

Russ joined the Austin Fire Department in 1974 at the age of 19. He quickly rose up the ranks where he was one of the youngest to achieve the rank of battalion chief, protecting and serving the citizens of Austin. His 28 years of service bore testimony to his character, culminating in a well-deserved retirement in 2002.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Russ was an ardent supporter of the Houston Astros and the University of Texas Longhorns. Renowned for his athletic prowess, he participated in various sports with remarkable skill. Despite his many talents, he was a man of few words; his soft-spoken demeanor radiated kindness and patience. Music held a special place in his heart; he enjoyed playing both the guitar and piano. Travel, too, was a joy for him, along with indulging and showering his wife, children, and grandchildren with love and attention.

In 1981, a beautiful chapter began when Russ met the love of his life, Marylin. It was Marylin's brave request for a dance that ignited their profound connection. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful marriage in 1983, blending their families seamlessly and creating 42 extraordinary years together.

Russ was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Betty Sue Blackman Holmstrom and James Carroll Holmstrom; his stepmother, Karen Lea Childers; his sister Liane Holmstrom; his bonus daughter, Summer Hargrave; cherished grandparents Lambert & Alice Holmstrom and Emory “Dutch” & Marie Blackman, uncles Elgene “Buddy” (Nanmette) Holmstrom and David (Patty) Holmstrom, and aunts Dodi (Arnold) Almquist and Jimmye (Andy) Anderson.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by his devoted wife, Marylin Hill Holmstrom; his daughters Dawn and Misti Holmstrom; bonus daughter Ashley (Kevin) Hargrave Alexander; siblings Jan Holmstrom Kruse and Terry (Tammy) Holmstrom; along with precious grandchildren Kaitlyn (Josh) Savaiinaea, Victoria "Tori" Holmstrom, Brooklyn "Brook" Tiedemann, Dylan Tiedemann, Orion Bellanca, Aksel Alexander, Wren "Birdie" Alexander, and great-granddaughter Ellowyn "Ellie" Savaiinaea. cousins Don (Rachel) Holmstrom, Kynn (Andi) Holmstrom, Lane (Glenda) Holmstrom, Sherri (Wayne) Reidel, Scott (Debbie) Almquist, Marla (James) Stacy, Dana (Derek) Ross, and Bruce (Peg) Holmstrom.

Special recognition would like to be given to friends Ann Hackbarth, Cathy & Larry Thomas, Marvin “Pete” Wood, and Rip Esselstyn, nephew Kevin Greer, and all the compassionate staff at Beacon Hospice as they are truly angels with wings and halos that are unseen.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Beacon Hospice, Austin Firefighters Relief & Outreach Fund, or Hutto Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM with a celebration of his life to follow at 11:00 AM at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, 604 Hwy 95 North, Elgin, TX 78621. A reception with food and refreshments will be held after from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at Hutto Lutheran Church, Parish Hall at 402 Church St, Hutto, TX 78634. Casual attire is greatly preferred by the family.

We will never forget someone who gave so much and never lose someone so loved. Your light will continue to shine bright.