Madge Holmer

Holmer, Madlin “Madge” Mary Kienlen

Madge Holmer, 89, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) of natural causes. Born in Idaho Falls on January 26, 1936 to Clarence E. “C.E.” and Angela M. (Biebl) Kienlen, she spent her early years on farms in the Roberts area and at the age of 9 moved to Idaho Falls. She married her husband, Raymond Gene Holmer, on September 5, 1959 and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Her husband Ray passed away on September 18, 2025.

Madge is lovingly survived by her five children, Raymond C. “Chuck” (Debarah) Holmer of New Windsor, MD, Cindy S. (Paul) Wilde of Idaho Falls, Holly M. (Dean) Barnhart of Everett, WA, Brenda J. “BJ” Mosbrucker of Idaho Falls, and Margret M. (Dennis) Reeb of Idaho Falls; two sisters Winifred “Wini” Herda of Sartell, MN, and Nancy Gamble of Chillicothe, OH; 11 grandchildren (Daniel Holmer, Abbie (Glenn) Fogle, Jeremy (Brittany) Wilde, Amy (Mikkel) Anderson, Alex Wilde, Sean Barnhart, Kalie (David) Trotter, Andrew Barnhart, Dani Mosbrucker, Maddy Reeb, Matt Reeb), five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, four brothers (Jack, Joe, Bruce and Fred), one sister (Lenore Acosta) and a son-in-law and grandson (Tom and TJ Mosbrucker).

Madge started school in Roberts, and later attended Holy Rosary, O.E. Bell Jr. High, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1955. Madge was in the first class to attend all three years at IFHS on Holmes Ave. and was a member of the Ski and Pep Clubs and Drill Team. After high school she enrolled in the X-Ray School at Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls and was the 2nd person to complete the two-year training.

Madge enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the medical field, beginning as an X-ray technician, later working as a nuclear medicine technologist, and finally retiring at the age of 80 after working for Dr. Morono’s office.

She spent most of her career (32 years) at Sacred Heart Hospital, IFCH and EIRMC. She was instrumental in establishing the Nuclear Medicine department at Sacred Heart Hospital as one of the first nuclear medicine technologists. After retiring from EIRMC in 1998, Madge continued to work part-time in the medical field in Sun Valley and Idaho Falls. Madge often joked that she needed to continue working to support her husband’s retirement activities.

Madge met her future husband Ray in 1958 at the 49’ers Ball in Jackson, WY. She was on a ski trip with her friend Mary Ann, and Ray was there checking out the scenery. Madge and Ray were married at the Holy Rosary Parish, lived briefly in Pocatello while Ray finished his degree at ISC, and moved back to Idaho Falls where they raised their family.

Madge found joy in so many places—camping with family, relaxing at the cabin, and filling her days with activities like skiing, bowling, painting and ceramic doll making. She loved caring for her flowers and making sure the birds were always fed. She was a fantastic cook who loved making her home festive, and the tins of Christmas candies she made and gave to her family remain some of our most appreciated memories. After retiring, Madge joined a pinochle group that became a treasured part of her days, bringing her laughter, companionship, and joy in her later years.

She was the biggest fan and supporter of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, supporting them in music and sports. From local games to competitions across the country, she made it a point to be there. Never missing an opportunity to show her love and pride. Enjoying life with her family and friends was the most important thing to her.

Madge was a devoted member of the Pope Saint John Paul II Catholic parish.

A joint funeral service will be held for Madge and Ray, after which she will be laid to rest alongside the love her life at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at EIRMC for their compassionate care and support during Madge’s final days. Your kindness made a difference in our lives. The family would also like to thank Brio Home Health Care for their support and care they have shown over the last few years.

In lieu of flowers please send a memorial donation to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Idaho Falls (https://idahofallsstvincentdepaul.org/)

Rosary and Visitation will be from 6-8pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Buck-Murphey Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Christ the King Church.

Interment will be on Monday, September 29, 2025 at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery