Roy Warren Holbrook, age 82, of Mapleton, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Mapleton Community Home. 

Roy was a beloved father, grandfather, talented craftsman, and man of quiet strength and humor. Born on March 30, 1943, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Elmer and Wilhelmina (Krueger) Holbrook, Roy graduated from St. Clair High School in 1961. He married the love of his life, Patricia Southwick, on April 3, 1972, in Mankato. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and shared interests. 

Roy was a man of few words, but those who knew him appreciated his good sense of humor and his unwavering passion for life. His interests spanned a wide range, but a lifelong passion for guns and politics stood at the forefront. A competitive shooter, Roy enjoyed metalworking and woodworking, always crafting and creating with his skilled hands. He took pride in his work as a gunsmith and was known to build cannons and mortar from scratch. His curious mind drove him to be a lifelong learner, continuously seeking to understand more about the world around him.

Roy treasured every moment spent with his grandkids. Whether attending gun shows or spending peaceful days fishing, those times often ended with a sweet treat from DQ. He loved trap shooting and could often be found in the shop, shooting .22s and sharing laughs. Roy especially cherished black powder shoots with his grandsons.

Roy dedicated much of his working life to Kato Engineering, where he worked as a welder from the early 1970s until his retirement in 2002. His work was marked by an exceptional attention to detail, shaped by years of experience that included earlier jobs as a truck driver, in construction, at a lumber yard, and canning in Wells.

Roy was the proud sexton at Decoria Cemetery for many years, a role he carried out with deep respect and devotion. He took great pride in maintaining the grounds, ensuring that every headstone was cared for and every space remained peaceful and welcoming for families visiting their loved ones. Roy approached his work not just as a job, but as a calling, tending to the cemetery with a quiet reverence and a craftsman’s eye for detail. His dedication brought comfort to many, knowing their loved ones rested in a place so lovingly cared for. 

Roy is survived by his daughter, Terri Huper of Alden; grandchildren, Mike (Madyson) Huper of Alden, Ann Huper of Wells, Ross Huper of Alden, and Jade Huper of Alden; step-son, Kevin Monta of Alden; and siblings, Lorna “Lori” (Darrel) Schreve of LeClaire, IA and Leonard Holbrook of Mankato.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Wilhelmina Holbrook; wife, Patricia; and brother, David Holbrook.

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Good Thunder with visitation starting at 9am. Burial will take place at Decoria Cemetery. Afterward, all are invited to join the family for a reception at the Thunder Bar, starting at 1pm. It will be an opportunity to celebrate the life of a remarkable man who touched the lives of many. 

Memorials are preferred to either Redeemer Lutheran Church in Good Thunder or Decoria Cemetery.