David L. Holderman

A Son of West Chicago Laid to Rest.

Dave Holderman of Hinckley, Illinois passed away of natural causes in his west suburban home on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

Starting out life in a one room house in the tough working-class suburb of West Chicago, Dave's story is one that defied the odds: As a standout multi-sport athlete, as a self-taught industrial chemist and businessman, as an irrepressible jokester who mocked the privileged classes that career success later found him joining.

On the field Dave played for West Chicago High's legendary 1974 State Championship football team, lettering in multiple sports, finally pitching for College of DuPage men's baseball.

In business he served only one firm: as a 40-year company man with Sensient Technologies Dave rose under the tutelage of Ben Peterson from mail room prankster to world traveling product guru, unlocking markets in Europe and China that helped Sensient go from regional business to billion-dollar grocery store juggernaut.

His true impact though came as a father of three children and stepfather to two and mentor to countless young people both on and off the field. A real-life "Ted Lasso" Dave coached his daughter's soccer team for six years despite never having witnessed a game. Dave's message to the young people he coached and mentored was simple: a person should never be judged by what they own, but by the joy and humor they bring to others.

To the community, Dave was a Hawaiian shirted fixture at suburban bars and back-yard BBQs. Quick to throw a party, and even quicker to join one. Beloved by neighbors, family, coworkers and friends, Dave used humor to cut through bleak and difficult times, lifting the spirits of all around him. "The most hilarious person I have ever met" as one neighbor described. When told about Dave's passing this week, local West Chicago man and longtime neighbor Joey Conn could only say "He can't really be dead, because legends never die.”

Dave is survived by his children, daughter, Rachel (Devin) Jatczak, sons, Matthew (Ashley) Holderman and Nathaniel Holderman; stepchildren, Madison (Dan) Legris and Eric (Stefanie) Jordan; 4 grandchildren; and relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Marilyn Holderman and brothers, James and Gary Holderman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Norris-Segert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 132 Fremont St., West Chicago (One block north of Washington St. & Main St). Funeral services on Friday, October 13, 2023 at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Glen Oak Cemetery in West Chicago. For information (630) 231-0060 or www.norrissegertfh.com