Denis Holen

Denis Holen, 79, died Monday, September 20, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo as the result of a heart attack.

A chance to gather, share memories and pay respects will take place Monday, October 11, 2021 at Long Lake Park shelter, 650 Longview Drive, Detroit Lakes, MN. from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Born April 25, 1942 in Norfolk, NE, to Thelma L. (Erickson) Holen and Orval E. ŅRustyņ Holen Denny grew up in Detroit Lakes, MN. His adventures there included hunting, fishing, running the town with his dog, Tyge, fetching ice for the icebox from the pile of tailings left over from last winter’s ice harvest, and paid summer jobs clearing weeds from the water at DL beach and dishing sweet treats as a soda jerk.

At age six Denny was joined by his brother, Boyd (Leslie) Holen, Rochert, MN, whom he looked out for and sometimes let tag along.

After graduating high school Denny did some youthful roaming around the country, but eventually settled back home in the Fargo area where he enlisted in the Air National Guard. He went to work every day (as well as some weekends and deployments) as a full-time “Happy Hooligan” member of the 119th Wing. He retired in 1995 at thirty years of service.

Denis was married to Ruthie I. Bode for 25 years and with her raised daughter, Elizabeth Holen (EJ&H) and son, Thad Holen (TA&H).

At his passing his life also included his special friend of 24 years, Sandy Klose of Kindred, ND, as well as her children, April (Bruce) Andvik, Richard ŅRickņ (Jill) Klose, and Julie (Lou) Cross.

Denny is remembered for his curiosity and obstinance, his love of the natural world, and for always believing his own jokes were funny, despite much evidence to the contrary.

Denis was preceded in death by both his parents and his son, Thad.

Cremation services by David-Donehower of Detroit Lakes, MN.

If you wish to memorialize Denny please consider connecting with Hawley Senior Living, Hawley, MN to show appreciation for the caring staff there.