James 'Ted' Holstein

James 'Ted' Holstein, 75, of Grafton passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Keystone Pointe in LaGrange. He was born October 19, 1948 in Fayetteville, West Virginia, and moved to Elyria with his family in 1953. He was a 1966 Elyria High School graduate. Ted was a certified welder before joining the Elyria Police Department in 1973. He was proud to serve the community as a policeman, and put his life on the line several times, for which he earned three commendations for valor; he also served in the Lorain County Drug Unit, working cases across the country. Upon his retirement from the police force in 1998, Ted was an Investigator for the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office. An avid storyteller, Ted and his wife Rhonda hosted many summer parties where it was common to find partygoers listening and laughing at his humorous stories. Ted went all in on his many hobbies, including firearms, Corvettes, world history, documentaries, and The Five. He enjoyed being an entrepreneur, starting several businesses: 585 Gold Company, Pioneer Dairy Isle, Image Molds, and Ready At Hand Gun Magnets. He took great pride in maintaining his Grafton home. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Rhonda Lee Holstein (nee-Smith); daughter, Kelly Marie Roberts (Fred); son, Michael Blaine Holstein; siblings, Donald Blain Holstein Jr. (Betty), and Bonnie Holstein; and grandchildren, Jayme McCall, and Justin Michael Roberts, whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Blaine Sr. and Marjorie Holstein (nee-Cody); and grandmother, Mary Alice Catlett (nee-Cody). Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Nesbett Cemetery, State Rt. 57, Grafton Township. A Celebration of Life Gathering will immediately follow in the upper hall of the Elyria United Polish Club 1501 Middle Avenue, Elyria. Ted always went out of his way to try and help those in need and supported many causes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com