Eugene Holen
Eugene Holen passed away peacefully at age 92, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City, N.D.
Eugene Olaf Holen was born on May 23, 1932, to his parents, Lawrence and Anne Holen in Arnegard, N.D. Eugene spent his youth in Arnegard, with a brief time in Camas, Wash., and Whitefish, Mont. The family returned to Arnegard and Eugene graduated high school in 1950.
To begin his college career, Eugene attended Minot Teachers' College, but enlisted into the Army and served from September 1953 to June 1955. He then finished his bachelor's degree in education in Minot on May 23, 1956, which coincidentally was his and his niece Brenda's birthday! After teaching for a year in Donnybrook, N.D., and a year in Watford City, N.D., Eugene obtained a master's degree from the University of North Dakota.
At this point in his life, he felt a calling to the ministry and spent some time at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He ultimately decided he was more suited to teaching. Eugene moved to Billings, Mont., where he spent the remainder of his teaching career. He had a passion for education and enjoyed teaching history and accounting to the many students who filled his classroom throughout the years. Eugene took an early retirement from his teaching career to come home and help care for his mother, Anne.
Eugene appreciated sports all through his life, participating in baseball and basketball in his youth. He was an avid supporter of local high school basketball programs and enjoyed a good breakdown of all the action after the games. Music was also an important aspect of his life. He participated in many choirs throughout his life and was a very talented singer.
Eugene's faith was an integral part of his life, and he spent many afternoons leading chapel at Good Shepherd Home in Watford City, N.D. He was a valued member of Wilmington Lutheran Church and served on the church council.
A person could set their watch by Eugene's schedule. Later in his life, his daily routine included morning and afternoon coffee with the local crowd, several visits out to the farm (all of which included a dixie cup of ice cream and sharing table food with the dog and cats), at least one trip to Watford City and the occasional jaunt to Williston. He was always eager to share his latest jokes and comics with those around him.
Eugene was very devoted to his family and community. He was an avid letter writer and kept in close contact with many cousins and friends. He always showed great interest in activities, sports, and hobbies of multiple generations of nieces and nephews, as well as attending various community events.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Anne Holen; sister, Genevieve Bruins; brother-in-law, John Bruins; and nephew, James Bruins.
Eugene is survived by his sister, Ruth (Kenneth) Vick, Loveland Colo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Wanda (Daryl) Holmen of Fargo, N.D., Brenda Bruins of Williston, N.D., Alan (Sheri) Bruins of Arnegard, N.D., Lyle Bruins of Arnegard, N.D., JoAnne (Roger) Olson of Boulder City, Nev., Karen Saan of Loveland, Colo., Paul Vick of Gering, Neb., Kathy Vick of Henderson, Nev.; and numerous great nieces and nephews and their children.
Funeral Services were held Tuesday Aug. 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D. Pastor Garrett Gudmunson officiated. Visitation was held Monday Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D.
Gene was laid to rest in the Wilmington Lutheran Cemetery in Arnegard, N.D. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D., is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.