Chester Holden

Chester “Chet” Holden, 84, of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Minnesota Veterans Home.

Chet was born to Oscar and Johanna (Engebretson) Holden on February 22, 1930. He was baptized April 6, 1930 at Vang Lutheran Church and confirmed on May 28, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church. He spent his life on the family farm in Aurdal Township, the homestead his Norwegian ancestors had chosen generations earlier. He attended rural school District 247 and Fergus Falls High School, receiving his GED while serving in the military.

Chet served in the military (US Army) from 1955-1958 stationed in Verdun, France. While in the service, he toured the Scandinavian countries and visited friends in Germany. After returning to Fergus Falls he married Connie Kvern on October 3, 1958 at Zion Lutheran Church.

Chet worked the family farm for many years, with an eye toward sustainable land management. In 1989 he began working with Stonel in Fergus Falls as an assembly worker. He enjoyed his work and made many new friends. He retired in February, 2009.

He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Sons of Norway and was a 4-H leader. He also served as a sexton for Vang Cemetery Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, wood carving, gardening and reading. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren playing, reading and creating special memories on the farm.

Chet, Connie and son Brad, were able to travel to Norway in 1997 to visit family in Norway and enjoying the beautiful country. Chet also enjoyed traveling to Wyoming and South Dakota with Connie after they retired.

Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Obert and Viola Holden; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine and Clifford Pederson and Margaret and Kenneth Clambey.

Chet is survived by his wife, Connie of Fergus Falls; three children, John Holden and wife Jennifer, of Sheridan, WY; Heidi Bardwell and husband David, of Woodbury, MN and Brad Holden and wife Lisa of Minneapolis, MN. He also is survived by seven grandchildren, Aaron (Sarah Borgos), Justin, Brady and Kairstyn Holden, Elsa Bardwell and Isabel and Claire Holden and by two great-grandchildren, Camden and Stella Holden. He is also survived by nephews Gary Clambey, Larry and Orlyn Holden, Jim, Darrell and Gale Pederson and niece Kathy Truax.
Chet was a kind and gentle soul, and had a particular fondness of children and animals. He carried a twinkle in his eye to match his understated sense of humor. He was a most beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We miss him very much.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Minnesota Veterans Home of Fergus Falls, The American Cancer Society or the organization of the donor’s choice.

Visitation: 5-7 pm Friday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1 pm Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Stan Satre and Nancy Eldredge-Hess
Interment: Vang Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls
Military Participation: Fergus Falls V.F.W. Post 612 and American Legion Post #30
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls