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Husband remembers wife days after industrial accident

Posted at 6:29 PM, Jul 10, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-10 18:29:01-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Days after the death of his wife Wanda in an industrial accident at Ventra Main in Ionia County, Bill Holbrook is trying to stay positive – and busy.

“Just doing something normal,” helps he says. “I don’t care what it is. Mow your lawn, do your dishes – don’t care.”

But the hurt is still there after Tuesday’s incident, in which authorities say Wanda was trapped by robotic machinery while on the job.

“There’s times where I feel like I could shatter into a million pieces,” Bill said.

But the father of one with Wanda as well as step-father to her two children from before their marriage told us the focus now is on celebrating her life, not dwelling on her death.

In a sit down with FOX 17 today, Bill told us Wanda was a giving person, strongly devoted to her faith and helping others. The two would have celebrated their 21st anniversary in August. And just like in life, Bill says even in death Wanda is still affecting people for the better.

“Wouldn’t it be just like Wanda to know that if her death meant one of her coworkers came to Christ, she would count it as completely worth it,” Bill said.

Details are scarce about what actually happened this week, but Bill tells us Ventra Main has been accommodating and gracious throughout the investigation process. He and his family hold no bitterness towards the company, even feeling sorrow for those who were there that day.

“I know this tragedy rips them apart individually as people just as much as it does us,” Bill said. “I will have to deal with it a lot longer, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t ever go away for them either.”

Open visitation for Wanda Holbrook will be held Sunday from 2-6 p.m. at Stroo Funeral Home on 68th Street. A funeral will be held the following Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran.