Sarah A. Holm
Sarah A. Holm
Sarah Anne Holm, age 23 of Baraboo, passed away suddenly June 11 after striking a tree while driving.Sarah was born April 5, 1993 in Pune, India. She came to America on April 7, 1995 and was adopted by David and Christine Holm. Although confined to a wheelchair since age 16 because of a spinal cord tumor, Sarah became a spokesperson for the American Family Children's Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. With the help of these two organizations, Sarah learned how to ski adaptively and earned a place on the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Ski Team.Although her life was short, it was filled with amazing opportunities and the people who helped make them happen. We would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Noonan for helping Sarah to ride a bike, dance and ski when she was young. Dr. Bermans Iskandar performed the delicate surgeries that halted the advance of the tumor, and he was her biggest Paralympic fan. Throughout her skiing career, Cascade Mt. Owner Robb Walz supported her as she worked to become an Olympic caliber racer. Dr. Sharilyn Munneke was always willing to write a referral and complete a form. Sarah's life was so much better due to your caring professionalism.Thank you to Starlene, Eric and Scott who devoted 3 winters of their lives as mentor and coaches in Colorado to help Sarah excel in her sit ski. Thank you, Travis for the gift of adaptive waterskiing and thank you Tracie Bowers, Sarah's mentor and favorite teacher at Madison College. Both of you saw the great potential in Sarah and guided her lovingly to push herself to her full capabilities.Sarah's friends were everything to her and she cherished each and every one. You helped her through her roughest times, supported her when she was down, and rejoiced with her the rest of the time. You are too numerous to mention, but you all know who you are.Although Sarah had a disability, it was easy to forget. Sarah had the most amazing positive attitude and was always making others smile and laugh. She made fun of herself, and while doing so, made everyone else comfortable and at ease.Sarah's joy for life was palpable and spontaneous. She was always willing to try new things and encouraged others to do so also. Sarah is survived by her parents, David and Christine Holm of Baraboo, a brother Matt, a maternal grandmother, Marjorie Ahlf, 2 aunts, 2 uncles, 3 cousins.Visitation will be held Wednesday June 15 from 4-7 pm. at the Redlin Funeral Home in Baraboo. Funeral services will be held at 6pm on Thursday, June 16 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Baraboo, with visitation beginning at 5pm. A social gathering will follow the funeral.In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a memorial donation to a sustaining scholarship fund which will be established in Sarah's name.